financial policies & procedures manual · 2019-09-30 · the diocese of yakima • pastoral...

A Guidebook for Diocesan Administration

Catholic Parishes, Schools & Institutions

Diocese of Yakima - Financial

Policies and Procedures

Manual

Corporation of the Catholic Bishop of Yakima

5301-A Tieton Drive

Yakima, Washington 98908

Please direct your questions and/or concerns to the

Diocesan Finance Office at (509) 965-7117.

THE DIOCESE OF YAKIMA • PASTORAL OFFICE

LA DIÓCESIS DE YAKIMA • CENTRO PASTORAL

5301-A TIETON DRIVE - YAKIMA, WA 98908-3493 - 509/965-7117 - Fax 509/966-8334 - [email protected]

PROMULGATION

DIOCESE of YAKIMA

FINANCIAL POLICIES and PROCEDURES MANUAL

By the authority granted to me by Canon 31 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, I promulgate that the Diocese of Yakima Financial Policies and Procedures Manual will become particular law for the Diocese of Yakima thirty days after July 1, 2013 in accordance with Canon 8 § 2. From July 31, 2013, the guidelines set in the Financial Policies and Procedures Manual are to be followed by all parishes and institutions of the Diocese of Yakima. Given this First day of July, 2013 at the Pastoral Office of the Diocese of Yakima.

Diocese of Yakima Table of Contents

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Index i

Diocese of Yakima Finance Office

Mission Statement

Our mission is to:

Promote sound financial management

Provide quality services, products and programs

Deliver innovative business solutions

Support the teaching and the public service mission of the Diocese of Yakima

Vision Statement

We aspire to be the preeminent financial services organization for a Catholic Diocese our

size and to set the standard by which other similar institutions measure success.

Value Statements

Accountability: We all understand what is expected of us and are fully committed to

meeting those expectations.

Communication: We communicate with our customers, partners, and internally to

manage expectations and assure the highest levels of satisfaction. We actively seek

partnership opportunities and solicit employee and customer input and respond to their

concerns.

Customer Service: We serve our customers by performing our tasks in a timely,

consistent and accurate manner. When interfacing with our customers, we are polite,

friendly, professional and efficient. When situations require, we take initiative and

proactively address customers’ needs.

Employee Focus: We are committed to the success of our employees as they are our

most valuable resource.

Excellence/Quality: We value innovative, timely, efficient, solution-oriented, and cost-

effective services and systems. We are committed to achieving the highest levels of

customer satisfaction. We provide leadership to the diocese in delivering proactive

financial solutions and services in support of the diocese strategic plan.

Integrity: We provide services in an honest, ethical, open, courteous, caring and

concerned manner, respecting all people and the free exchange of ideas.


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Index ii

Ownership: We perform our duties to the best of our abilities and take pride in our work.

Stewardship: We practice sound financial management and are committed to ensuring

the efficient and effective use of Diocesan resources.

Teamwork: We value the contribution our staff makes in achieving our mission and we

support and encourage teamwork and personal development to ensure a high level of

competence, expertise, and satisfaction.

Transparency: We are committed to openly sharing information with others, effectively

expressing our ideas and actively striving to understand the ideas of others.

Value: We continually examine the way we operate and seek opportunities to improve

effectiveness of our service.


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Index iii

DIOCESE OF YAKIMA FINANCE OFFICE STAFF

Phone: (509) 965-7117

Fax: (509) 966-8019

Jim Perko Chief Financial Officer

E-mail: [email protected]

Fidel DeVera Controller


Alma Benitez Director of Stewardship and Development


Darci Heinlein Accounts Payable/Receivable

Lay Employees Retirement Plan


Melody Gulley Lay Employee Health Insurance & Benefits

Clergy Health Insurance

Property & Auto Insurance

Parish/Institution Reports


Dana Johnson Annual Catholic Appeal Bookkeeper


Matt Feltrup Finance Office Associate


mailto:[email protected]







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Index iv

Parish/School Financial Objectives Section last updated July 1, 2013

1) Identify, record and report all transactions of the parish/school and maintain a

uniform system of accounting, as required by the Diocesan Finance Office.

2) Must safeguard the temporal goods of the parish/school including all funds raised

through the various parish/school activities and any related organizations.

3) Provide adequate and timely information regarding the cash flow needs of the

parish/school so as to ensure the satisfaction of all parish/school obligations and

diocesan assessments as they become due.

4) Enable the completion of required reports (e.g. parish/school budget report,

monthly parish financial reports, schools, cemeteries) in a timely manner.


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Index v

Financial Policies & Procedures Index

Section Title Page #

Accounting Software Page 1

Allocation of Administrative Costs between Parish/School Programs Page 2

Allocation of Costs between Parishes & Missions Pages 3-4

Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) Page 5

Auto Titles Page 6

Background Checks Pages 7-8

Bank Accounts Pages 9-10

Bookkeeper Responsibilities Regarding Parish/School Finances Page 11

Budgeting Pages 12-13

Capital Revolving Program (CRP) Pages 14-17

Cash Management Page 18

Cash Receipt Procedures Other Than Sunday Offertory Collections Page 19

Catholic Mutual “CARES” Policy List Pages 20-26

Charge Accounts Page 27

Chart of Accounts, Transactions, & Classification Pages 28-29

Clergy Compensation Pages 30-37

Compliance Reviews Pages 38-39

Conflict of Interest Policy Page 40

Diocesan Collections & Remittance Page 41


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Index vi

Diocesanum Page 42

Disbursements by Checks Page 43

Electronic Banking Pages 44-45

Expense Reimbursement Page 46

Fraud Policy Pages 47-48

Fundraising Accounting Policies & Procedures Pages 49-51

Gambling Policy Page 52

Health & Safety (L&I) Page 53

Internal Controls Pages 54-56

Month-End Procedures and Preparation of Financial Statements Pages 57-58

Monthly Financial Report Page 59

Offertory Collections – Handling Procedures Pages 60-61

Other Parish/School Organizations – Accounting Procedures Page 62

Parish/School Responsibilities to the Diocese Page 63

Pastor Responsibilities Regarding Parish Finances Pages 64-66

Payroll Pages 67-70

Payroll Taxes Page 71

Payroll – W-2’s for Employees Page 72

Payroll – W-2’s for Priests Pages 73-74

Petty Cash Page 75

Real Estate Transactions Page 76

Receipts for Contributions over $250 (Cash) Page 77


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Index vii

Receipts for In-Kind Donations (Non-cash/goods & services) Page 78

Records Retention Page 79

School Tuition vs. Donation Pages 80-81

Scrip – Handling Procedures Pages 82-83

Special Collections Pages 84-85

Special Events Coverage – Guidelines Pages 86-90

Weekend Mass Counts 1


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Index viii

Financial Policies & Procedures Appendix

Title Appendix

Adjusting Journal Entries (Sample) Appendix A

Background Check Forms Appendix B

Background Check Forms (Spanish) Appendix B’

Catholic Mutual Insurance Coverage Program Summary Appendix C

Chart of Accounts Appendix D

Checklist for Accounting Duties & Functions (Sample) Appendix E

Check Request Form (Sample) Appendix F

Collections Count Form (Sample) Appendix G

Conflict of Interest Policy Statement & Form Appendix H

Contribution Receipt – In-Kind (Sample) Appendix I

Contribution Receipt – Over $250 (Sample) Appendix J

Credit Check Permission Form Appendix K

Employee Accident/Illness Report Appendix L

Employee Exit Checklist (Sample) Appendix M

Facility Usage & Indemnity Agreement Forms Appendix N

Finance Council Agenda (Sample) Appendix O

Fixed Asset Description Sheet & Forms Appendix P

IRS Group Tax Exemption Letter (2011) Appendix Q

Kenedy Directory – Diocese of Yakima (2012) Appendix R


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Index ix

Ministry Mileage Log (Sample) Appendix S

Morgan Stanley Stock Donation Form Appendix T

New Employee Checklist (Sample) Appendix U

Non-Profit Financial Reporting Appendix V

Parish Financial Calendar (Sample) Appendix W

Records Retention Appendix X

Scrip – Permission for Child Delivery & Waiver of Claim Appendix Y

Special Events Coverage Form Appendix Z

Tamper Evident Bag Log & Procedures (Sample) Appendix AA

USCC IRS Group Ruling Appendix BB

Volunteer Application Agreement Appendix CC

Weekend Mass Counts Appendix DD

What to Do In Case of Work-Related Injury or Illness Appendix EE


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Index x

Diocese of Yakima Financial Policies & Procedures

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Page 1

Accounting Software

Policy: The Diocese of Yakima strongly encourages all diocesan parishes, schools

and institutions to use QuickBooks Pro Accounting Software or other approved

software for recording finances and payroll. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) QuickBooks Pro is available for purchase online at

http://quickbooks.intuit.com/pro/.

2) Their site also features a tutorial; www.quickbookstrainingdvd.com/how-to-use-

quick-books.asp.

Other (Current) Approved Software List:

Peach Tree

Parish Data System (PDS)

Shelby


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Page 2

Allocation of Administrative Costs Between Parish/School Programs

Policy: A parish/school may decide to allocate administrative costs across the

various programs that are supported by administration. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

This policy is more useful for the larger parishes/schools in the diocese as they are

capable of funding numerous programs, however smaller parishes/schools may find this

section useful as well.

1) Even though this alternative will take extra time, it may be useful to know how

different programs support themselves considering their share of common

expenses.

2) In order to accomplish this allocation, it is necessary to determine how much each

program uses the service represented by each cost.

a. For example, utilities may be divided among the programs based on a

percentage determined by the number of hours the program uses parish

facilities divided by total hours of programs.

b. Another example would be tracking the number of copies each program

makes and allocating copying costs to the program. If a parish allocates

administrative costs between the church and school, the allocation could

be based on the percentage of square feet divided between the two areas.

Other administrative costs that could be allocated are insurance expense,

office supplies, telephone and postage.

3) Such allocations would be most useful for the larger parishes/schools with several

programs. However, the smaller parishes/schools may benefit from allocating

administrative costs to a lesser degree.

4) Some examples of parish/school programs include Faith Formation, Youth

Ministry, Child Care, RCIA, Religious Education, Hispanic Ministry, etc.


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Page 3

Allocation of Costs between Parishes & Missions

Policy: When parishes with missions are together and share resources, costs of these

shared resources must be properly allocated between the parishes. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) Allocating costs between parishes and missions can be achieved by various

methods.

2) The parishes must choose a method that fairly represents the cost relationships.

3) The method of allocation may be based on one of the methods described below.

The parish may choose another appropriate method that applies to their situation.

b. Proportion of time the priest dedicates to each parish.

c. The number of families in each parish.

4) Using a percentage based on one of the methods above, actual costs incurred by

the parish paying the bills can be allocated properly. The actual allocation can be

determined:

1. On a monthly basis from which the reimbursement from the other

parish(es) is determined or

2. By a set amount for monthly reimbursement with a final settlement based

on actual costs to be paid at year-end.

Example: Dedicated Time Number of Families

Parish 1 60% 250 or 71%

Parish 2 40% 100 or 29%

Shared Monthly Expenses Paid by Parish 1: $5,690

Allocation Based on Time

Parish 1 $5,690 x 60% = $3,414

Parish 2 $5,690 x 40% = $2,276

Allocation Based on Number of Families

Parish 1 $5,690 x 71% = $4,040

Parish 2 $5,690 x 29% = $1,650


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Page 4

Parish 2 could pay its actual allocated amount on a monthly basis or it could pay

$2,000 per month and settle the difference with Parish 1 at the end of the year.

As can be seen, the allocation can be very different based on the method used. As

a result, it is important to thoughtfully choose which method more accurately

reflects the benefit that each parish receives and its share of the cost.


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Page 5

Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA)

Policy: All parishes are to follow the annual publication of the Annual Catholic

Appeal Leadership Manual issued by the Diocese of Yakima Stewardship &

Development Office. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) The Annual Catholic Appeal Leadership Manual is distributed in October of each

year with a letter issued by the Bishop.

2) The bookkeeper/secretary is responsible for monthly updates of names and

addresses of all parishioners.


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Page 6

Auto Titles

Policy: All diocesan vehicles (schools and parishes) must be registered in the name

of the Diocese of Yakima/name of parish or school, and the original titles kept at the

Diocesan Insurance Office. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) All diocesan vehicles must be insured through Catholic Mutual. Call the Diocesan

Insurance Office to add your vehicles.


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Page 7

Background Checks

Policy: Background checks are required for all employees and for all volunteers

who will have ongoing, unsupervised contact with children, youth, and vulnerable

adults, or who will handle money, for example bookkeepers, collection counters,

ushers and money handlers at special parish events.

Section last updated July 11, 2013

Procedures:

1) Initial background checks are required for all new full-time and part-time

employees before the hiring process is deemed completed. This type of

background check requires submission of a social security number, or if the

prospective employee does not have one, the signing of an affidavit on the

background check form to that effect. Those offered a position will be made

aware that their employment is contingent upon successfully passing the

background check.

2) Initial background checks are required for all volunteers who will have ongoing

unsupervised contact with children, youth or vulnerable adults. This type of

background check requires submission of a social security number, or if the

prospective volunteer does not have one, the signing of an affidavit on the

background check form to that effect. While the background check is being

processed, their volunteer service must be supervised. “Ongoing” has two

meanings: For a single event (i.e. for a retreat), ongoing mean for more than just

a brief moment; for a series of events (i.e. religious education classes), one or

more times over a period of time (i.e., a school year).

3) Initial background checks are required for all volunteers who will handle money,

for example bookkeepers, collection counters, ushers and money handlers at

special parish events. If the volunteer is unwilling to provide a social security

number for the background check, they are to be informed that they will be

ineligible for ministry with children, youth or vulnerable adults. While the

background check is being processed, their volunteer service must be supervised.

In addition, employees and volunteers who in an unsupervised setting handle

significant sums of money – for example, the Sunday collection, or parish festival

funds – are required to undergo a credit check.

4) The pastor/principal/director is responsible for initiating the request for a

background check or credit check. These should be sent to the Vice Chancellor

for Personnel and Policies, Diana Aparicio-Sosa (509-965-7117 ext. 1006).


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Page 8

5) Employees and volunteers who are required to undergo a background check

and/or a credit check will be informed in writing of their legal rights in regard to

the check performed.

6) Please allow at least 2 to 3 weeks for a response after your initial request.

7) New background checks must be administered every 6 years.

8) Refer to Appendix B for our Diocese’s Background Check Form(s) (English and

Spanish versions).


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Page 9

Bank Accounts

Policy: The parishes and school’s must each maintain one operating parish/school

checking account and request bank statements dated as of the last day of the month. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) Have either the actual checks or check copies returned with the bank statement.

2) If a bank does not return the actual checks or check copies, the parish must

request the checks or copies to be returned.

3) This is an essential element for proper internal controls for parish financial

accounting.

4) Separate checking accounts must be used for school and cemetery accounts.

5) The pastor may also decide to open other accounts as needed for special purposes.

6) If this is done, it will be necessary to include all transactions in the Monthly

Parish Financial Report.

7) Therefore, parishes are encouraged to keep the number of separate accounts to a

minimum and to use the operating checking account for most ongoing activities.

8) The parish bookkeeper must not be authorized to sign checks.

9) All parish funds shall be deposited only in accounts that bear the parish name and

Federal Tax ID number.

10) A complete listing of parish accounts shall be disclosed on the Monthly Parish

Financial Report to the diocese.

11) All funds not necessary for parish operations, generally determined by six weeks

of operating expenses, must be deposited in the Diocese of Yakima Capital

Revolving Program (CRP).

12) If a parish organization or department has a specific need for a separate

checkbook the pastor must be an authorized signer and the statements are to be

mailed to the parish office.


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Page 10

13) It is extremely important that bank reconciliations be promptly prepared for all

checking accounts, by an individual who is independent of the cash receipt and

cash disbursement processes, may be Chair of the Financial Council.

14) A Finance Council member must review the reconciliations at least once a month.


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Page 11

Bookkeeper Responsibilities Regarding Parish/School Finances

Policy: The financial records must be maintained in an accurate and timely manner. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) The parish/school bookkeeper is expected to perform their duties in a competent

manner and must exhibit strong ethical values at all times.

2) The parish/school bookkeeper must inform the pastor, chair of the Finance

Council and the diocesan Chief Financial Officer of incidents of misappropriation

of assets or fraudulent reporting immediately.

a. Procedure:

i. The diocese will provide you with protection through our

insurance policy.

ii. Use discretion when reporting the alleged act.

iii. Make sure that you have accurate and detailed documentation of

the alleged act.

3) If not done immediately, the diocese’s insurance coverage may be jeopardized.

4) Integrity and confidentiality must be maintained at all times on all parties.

5) Refer to Appendices A, E and U for examples/samples of Adjusting Journal

Entries, Checklist for Accounting Duties & Functions and Parish Financial

Calendar.


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Page 12

Budgeting

Policy: All parishes/schools/institutions must have a budget plan. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) A budget is an estimate of the dollar amounts of parish income and expenses for

the upcoming fiscal year. A starting point is the previous year’s actuals. This

budget or financial plan is essential for the proper management of a

parish’s/school’s temporal goods. It prompts a parish/school to consider what it

can and cannot achieve during the fiscal year. The budget must be a reflection of

the parish goals and ministry priorities. This complements the long-term planning

necessary to accomplish parish/school objectives.

2) In order to better estimate the income and expenses, all financial records and

reports must be made available to the Finance Council at each meeting. The

Finance Council must not rely entirely upon the verbal reports of the pastor,

business manager, or bookkeeper, as the sole sources of financial information.

Parish-affiliated organizations that contribute to the income of the parish, whether

for the elementary school or other uses, must submit an income and expense

budget to the Finance Council. If any assessments or other obligations are past

due, a plan for their payment must be incorporated into the budget. Income must

be budgeted conservatively and expenses must be budgeted realistically. Surplus

funds on deposit can be considered in balancing the budget when the parish is

facing a one-time or special operational expenditure or an extraordinary

repair/capital expenditure.

3) If the parish has a school, the Finance Council must have a copy of the school’s

entire budget to determine the amount of parish subsidy needed and the amount of

financial support that can be obtained from sources other than the offertory

collection.

4) The Finance Council, having reviewed income projections and submitted budgets

from the various departments and affiliated organizations, must develop a

balanced budget without eliminating any programs. If this is not possible, the

Council must develop alternatives that would bring the budget into balance. Such

alternatives could include sacrificial giving, fund raising events, sharing staff

between ministries or mission/parishes and re-evaluating the need for new

equipment. In conjunction with the Pastoral Council, the budget must be brought

into balance, keeping the parish goals and ministry priorities.

5) The fiscal year operating budget (July 1 - June 30; Schools: Sept. 1 – Aug. 31) is

to be prepared and recommended by the Parish Finance Council to the pastor who


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Page 13

has final approval authority. The finalized balanced budget must also be published

for the parish at large. This may be communicated in summary format.

6) Setting up a Budget and Monitoring Performance

1. Select all Income and Expense accounts

Expense account examples:

Salaries (probably the largest account)

Payroll Taxes

Employee Benefits

Maintenance

Capital Improvements

Utilities

Interest expense (if now in debt)

Diocesanum

Miscellaneous

Income account examples:

Sunday collection (primary source of income)

Holy days

Interest (if savings are invested)

Miscellaneous

2. Assign an annual dollar amount to each account

Your bookkeeper should have historical data – last year and perhaps more.

Keep notes on why/how dollar amounts were set – “budget bases”.

3. Balance the new budget

Expense should not exceed income. If it does, income has to be increased if

doable or some expense accounts have to be reduced.

Pulpit appeal for income

Reduce staff hours or eliminate staff

Delay capital improvements

4. Spread the balanced budget across the twelve months of the year. This

establishes a financial plan for each month of the year.

5. Record account actual income and expense results each month as the year

progresses and monitor/compare actual data to budgeted data. This provided

the opportunity to spot financial trouble early.


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Page 14

Capital Revolving Program (CRP) Section last updated July 1, 2013

1) Policy: All savings are to be deposited in the CRP account at the diocese.

Procedure: No outside savings or investment accounts are allowed. However, 45

days of operating income may be kept in parish/institution checking account.

2) Policy: Parishes/Schools/Institutions with debts are to make regular, stipulated,

monthly payments on interest and principal.

Procedure: Accelerated payments on the principal are encouraged. Parishes

without debts must deposit excess funds in the Capital Revolving Program (CRP)

at the end of each fiscal year. Parishes may not add to or establish savings

accounts if they have debts in arrears, except for designated gifts from donors.

3) Policy: Parishes/Institutions may borrow from the CRP to the extent approved

by the Bishop.

Procedure: When funds are available, money may be borrowed by a parish or

institution, on a long-term basis for buildings or on a short-term basis for special

needs, e.g., a new roof. Short-term loans may be arranged even though a parish

has a long-term debt, but the parish’s ability to pay is a factor to be considered in

the decision or, to make the short-term loan.

4) Policy: When a parish/school/institution is in need of a new building, a copy of

the diocesan manual outlining “Policies and Guidelines for Construction,

Remodel and Repair Projects” is featured on the diocesan website.

Procedure: A flow chart is included, giving the process and timelines for all

major building projects. The opinions of the people are to be carefully weighed in

designing buildings. The Bishop and CFO must be informed of any construction

projects with a letter of intent before any construction or advanced planning can

begin.

5) Policy: Before a building program is undertaken and construction has

commenced, by a parish/school/institution, it will be required that it have on

deposit in the CRP, at least 50% of the project cost.

Procedure: Exceptions can only be made by the Bishop as Chair of the CRP.

6) Policy: All bonding and insurance review will be handled by the diocesan

Administration Office, Insurance Department.


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Page 15

7) Policy: Major expenditures (over $15,000) for new buildings, for remodeling

existing structures or for new furnishings and equipment are to be referred to

the Chief Finance Officer for prior approval and signature by the Bishop.

8) Policy: For projects under $15,000 please consult the construction guidelines.

9) Policy: Replacement of existing equipment and furnishings should be referred to

the Chief Financial Officer for approval if there is a substantial increase in

quality or cost when one compares the replacement with what is being replaced.

Procedure: An increase of $15,000 should always be considered substantial.

10) Policy: If a parish sells some or all of its buildings or property, the proceeds of

that sale shall be applied to the remaining debt of the parish/school/institution.

Procedure: Exceptions may be granted only by the Bishop.

11) Policy: Depositors will be allowed to make withdrawals from savings.

Procedures:

1) When a parish, school or institution wishes to withdraw funds from their

CRP accounts, a written request (Check Request Form), signed by the

pastor or administrator, should be sent or faxed to the Chief Finance

Officer stating the amount needed and the purpose for which the funds

will be spent.

2) The CFO will sign and date the request and forward it to accounts payable

for the issuance of a check. Expect the check to arrive within one business

week.

12) Policy: All savings withdrawals for construction must be submitted in writing on

the AIA G702 Application and Certificate of Payment Form or equivalent.

Procedure: The payment must be approved by the architect and pastor and then

submitted to the diocesan CFO, along with the diocesan Check Request form

signed by the pastor or administrator. See Construction Guidelines for further

details.


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13) Policy: Loans will be made to the diocesan operating fund.

Procedures:

a. A promissory note will be signed between the diocese and the capital

revolving program that will have the terms and conditions identified.

b. The loan proceeds will be deposited in the diocese operating account.

c. The interest rate will be the 3 month LIBOR rate + 2.50% on the amount

outstanding.

d. The term will be no longer than one year from the date of the first

borrowing.

e. The purpose of this type of loan will be manage the cash flow of the ACA,

the principal period of time that borrowing has typically been needed is

from October to March although repayment could be a bit shorter or

longer.

f. The maximum borrowing authority will be $2,000,000.

g. Interest will be paid monthly based on an invoice received from CRP.

Interest will be paid through the full month and calculated on a 365 day

year.

h. The receiving fund is at or nearing a zero cash balance.

i. The advance cannot take place if there is no receivable identified that will

pay it, the receivable is to be considered the collateral.

14) Policy: Loans will be made for indebtedness of the diocese for longer than one

year with the following guidelines.

Procedures:

a. Loans will be made for the period of the existing outstanding deficit

currently estimated to be retired at the end of fiscal year 2015.

b. An accommodation of the interest charge is currently permitted due to the

current financial condition of the diocese.


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c. An interest rate of 1% on the declining balance is authorized for the term

of the existing outstanding indebtedness.

d. New loans to the diocese will be made at conventional rates depending on

the term of the borrowing. Knights of Columbus loan rate as identified on

their website plus 1% at the time of the loan will be used. It may vary

slightly base on the term.

e. Interest will be paid monthly based on an invoice issued from CRP.

Interest will be paid through the full month and calculated on a 365 day

year.

f. New advances cannot take place if there is no receivable identified that

will retire the debt, such as ACA collections. The receivable is to be

considered the collateral.

15) Policy: Interest loans to parishes/schools/institutions tied to Knights of

Columbus rates on their website.

Procedures:

a. Rates for a ten year borrowing at a fixed rate will be 1% greater than the

equivalent term rate as quoted on the Knights of Columbus loan website.

b. This rate will be finalized at the time the parish borrows the funds.

16) Policy: The CRP will accept pledges of securities by member depositors.

Procedures:

a. Institutions that carry large balances with the CRP may pledge their assets

to a third party.

b. If that institution(s) has outstanding loans those deposits will be

considered collateral up to the amount borrowed by the CRP and must

remain on deposit and is not available for pledging or withdrawal.

c. To the extent that balances on loans are paid down then that decreases

amount of collateral required and increases the amount that may be

pledged assuming that no other loans have been made.

Parishes and schools are not permitted to pledge their deposits as security to third parties.


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Cash Management

Policy: Parishes must handle cash in a responsible and timely manner. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) An operating budget broken down by month can be a useful tool for cash

management.

2) Anticipating revenues and expenses on a monthly basis allows planned timing of

expenditures to minimize cash flow problems.

3) The parish cash operating account must have a balance of a minimum of 45 days

expenditures.

4) Cash in excess of 45 days must be invested in the Diocese of Yakima Capital

Revolving Program (CRP) to earn investment income.

5) For additional Information on the CRP please refer to pages 14-17.


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Cash Receipt Procedures Other Than Sunday Offertory Collections

Policy: All cash and checks must be deposited in the parish banking account as soon

as reasonably possible to reduce the risks associated with holding cash and checks

on site. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) All such receipts must be kept in a locked file cabinet or a safe until deposited.

2) General mail may be opened by the parish bookkeeper.

3) Envelopes and checks received must be listed before being turned over to the

bookkeeper for deposit.

4) Checks must be immediately endorsed “For deposit only (bank name and account

number).”

5) A copy of the list must go to the bookkeeper with the checks for depositing.

6) The original list must go the pastor or parish administrator for subsequent

comparison to the bank deposit.

7) For cash delivered by hand, pre-numbered receipts must be issued. Adequate

control over the sequence of used and unused receipts must be maintained.

8) A drop safe is suggested for Sunday Collections.


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Catholic Mutual “CARES” (Comprehensive Attentive Responsive

Effective Service) Risk Management List

Policy: Catholic Mutual is our insurance provider for property, auto, fire & peril

and liability. The following is a list of policies that must be used. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) For any questions contact our Property Benefits Specialist at the Diocesan

Finance Office at (509) 965-7117.

2) Please refer to pages 86-90 for information on Special Events Coverage.

3) How to Log on to Catholic Mutual’s Website:

Access the web site by going to www.catholicmutual.org.

Go to the login tab: Username: 0166yak

Password: service

Next - click on the e-office tab and then the Risk Management tab. From here you can

access several different policies.

Below is the list of policies from Risk Management section for your reference (as of

5/14/2012). If you wish to see the full policies and other Catholic Mutual policies, please

visit Catholic Mutual’s website.

4) Catholic Mutual’s “CARES” Risk Management List:

Activities/Events

Adult Hold Harmless/Indemnity Agreement

Bonfire Safety Guidelines

Fireworks Display Safety

Guidelines for Parish Festivals

Haunted Houses Should Not Hold Real Dangers

How to Safeguard Your Bingo Events

Liquor Liability

Resale of Items through Thrift Stores and Rummage Sales

Use of Inflatable/Bounce Houses

Festival/High Risk Events Best Practice Checklist

http://www.catholicmutual.org/


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Administration

Dealing with Food Allergies in Schools

Facility Program Evaluation Overview

Facility Program Evaluation

Field Trip Risk Management Information

Fire Exit Drill Report

Fire Exit Drills-A Must for Religious Education Classes

Safety and Health Committees Overview

Safety and Health Policy Statement

Safety Dress Regulations

Safety Program Organization

School and Pre-School Prescription drug and Medication Authorization

School Safety Survey

Script Handling Guidelines

Self Inspection Report

Athletics

Athletic and Sporting Events – Parental/Guardian Consent Form and Liability Waiver

Athletic and Sporting Events – Risk Reduction Measures

Bike Helmets Help Reduce Injuries

Climbing Walls

Football Helmet Safety

Guidelines for Movable Soccer Goal Safety

In-Line Skating/Roller Blading

Safeguarding the Health of the Athlete

Swimming Pool Rules and Procedures Swimming Survey

Concussion Head Injury

Automobiles

Automobile Security

Fleet Safety Program

Protecting Yourself from Carjacking

Volunteer Driver Form

Cemeteries

Accident Investigation Report

Cemetery Inspection Report

Grinder Safety Guidelines

Hazardous Materials, Chemicals and Flammable Liquids

Lawn Mowing Guidelines

Preventative Maintenance Checklist

Wake Services Can Create Addition Liability Exposures for the Church


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Child Care/Preschool

Child Care Centers – Risk Reduction Measures

Preschool Child Care Agreement

School and Preschool Prescription Drug and Medicine Authorization

Contract Review

Addendum to Construction Contract

Addendum to Lease

Addendum to Service Contract

Addendum to Construction Contract (When Contractor Provides Builds Risk Coverage)

AIA Documents (Needed Deletions)

Catholic Mutual Members Coverage and Indemnification Guidelines

How Do I Know If My Parish Has Been Named As an Additional Insured?

Emergency Preparedness

Are You Ready For an Earthquake

Emergency Evacuation Safety Survey

Emergency Preparedness Overview

Escape From Fire No Matter Where You Are

Flu Pandemic Preparedness

Flu Prevention Measures

Index of Government Earthquake Publications

Safety and Survival in an Earthquake

School Violence Prevention and Preparedness

Employee Safety

Accident Investigation Report

Employee Injury Analysis

Incident Investigation


Maintaining a Healthy Back

Unsafe Actions and Unsafe Conditions

Workplace Safety Survey

Facility Usage

Addendum to Lease

CM Safety Guidelines for Parish Hall Rental/Usage

Facility Usage/Indemnity Agreement

Facility Usage/indemnity Agreement with Non-owned Auto Insurance Requirement

How Do I Know If My Parish Has Been named As an Additional Insured

Liquor Liability

Facility Usage/Indemnity Agreement (Spanish)

Unaffiliated Organization Agreement


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Field Trips

Chaperone Guidelines/Behavior Standards

Field Trip Risk Management Information

Mission Work Trips-Service Projects

Youth Trips Involving Overnight Stay

Fire Prevention

Candle Safety

Electrical Fire Safety – Keep an Eye on Those Extension Cords


Fire Prevention Checklist

Fire Protection Safety Survey

Fireworks Displays Safety

Overheated Clothes Dryers Can Cause Fires

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Space Heaters – What You Should Know

Health Care/Nursing Homes

Back Injury Loss Control for Health Care Facilities

Guidelines for Parish Nurse Health Ministry Programs

Concussion Head Injury

Holiday Safety

Candle Safety

Fireworks Displays Safety

Haunted Houses Should Not Hold Real Dangers

Internet/Cyber Security

Cyber Security Practices

Cyber Security Tips

Data Protection Policy

Network Security Policy

Protecting Your Network

Kitchen Safety

Food Service Safety Survey

Safety Rules for Kitchens

Safety Survey – Food Service and Cafeteria Operations

Lightning

Lightning Risk Assessment Guide

Reduction of Lightning Exposure


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Maintenance

Compressed Gas Cylinders – Safety Guidelines

Grinder Safety Guidelines

Hazardous Materials, Chemicals and Flammable Liquids


Mold Prevention

Do You Have a Mold Problem?

Procedures to Follow When Water Damage or a Water Loss Has Occurred

Recommendations for Preventing and Reducing Mold Growth

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

Playgrounds

General Guidelines for the Playground

Playground Equipment Safety Inspection Checklist

Playground Guidelines for the Elementary School

Playground Leader’s Checklist

Playground Maintenance Checklist

Preventative Maintenance

Bleacher Construction Raises Life Safety Concerns

Chair and Table Maintenance

Preventative Maintenance Checklist

Steps to Reduce Roof Leaks

Underground Storage Tank Inspection Checklist

Vacant and/or Unoccupied Buildings

Residential Safety

Carbon Monoxide – A Deadly Gas

Dog Ownership Safety


Fire Prevention Checklist

Fire Prevention Guidelines for the Home

Home Electrical Safety Audit – Room by Room Checklist

Home Safety Survey

Safeguarding Monetary Assets

Fidelity Control Overview

Review of Parish Accounts and Financial Control Guidelines

Scrip Handling Guidelines


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Safety Surveys

Choir Loft Safety Survey

Office Safety Survey

School Buildings

Combustible Materials in Classrooms and Auditoriums

Food Service Safety Survey

Guidelines and Procedures for Industrial Education

Safety Rules for Kitchens

Safety Survey – Auditoriums, Stadiums, and Gymnasiums

Safety Survey – Buildings and Grounds

Safety Survey – Classrooms, Offices and Special Rooms

Safety Survey - Food Services and Cafeteria Operations

Safety Survey – Science Laboratory

Safety Survey – General Guidelines for Schools

School Safety Overview

School Safety – TV Carts

School Vandalism

School Violence Prevention and Preparedness

Science Classrooms

Combustible Materials in Classrooms and Auditoriums

Hazardous Materials, Chemical and Flammable Liquids

Procedures to Better Organize School Chemical Storage Areas

Safety Survey – Science Laboratory

Several Reasons Why Chemicals Should Not be Stored in Alphabetical Order

Storage and Handling of Lab Chemicals

Security

Automobile Security

Business Security

Establishing a Key Control Policy Will Enhance Security

Neighborhood Watch

Perpetual Adoration

Protecting Yourself from Carjacking

Residential Security Survey

Residential Security

School Vandalism

Security Profile – Suspicious Activity Described

Vacant and/or Unoccupied Buildings


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Slips, Trips & Falls

Incident Investigation

Slips, Trips & Falls – Ice and Snow Removal Procedures

Slips, Trips & Falls – Ice and Snow Removal Procedures – Spanish

Slips, Trips & Falls – Some Basic Information

Slips, Trips & Falls Safety Survey

Winter Worries

Prevent Frozen Sprinkler Systems

Protect Your Property from Freeze Damage

Slips, Trips & Falls – Ice and Snow Removal Procedures

Slips, Trips & Falls – Ice and Snow Removal Procedures – Spanish

Space Heaters – What Your Should Know

Tips for Winterizing Your Home


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Charge Accounts

Policy: The parish/school may maintain charge accounts at local merchants for

which monthly payments are made. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) There must be a limited number of authorized purchasers, not to exceed 2

persons.

2) The parish/school needs to maintain a list of merchants/vendors and it must be

approved by the pastor. It must also be reviewed by the Finance Council

annually.

3) Authorization/signature cards must be maintained at the store indicating who the

authorized purchasers are.

4) The monthly statement must be reviewed by the pastor or the chair of the finance

council.


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Chart of Accounts, Transactions, & Classifications

Policy: Parishes/Schools/Institutions will follow the Diocese of Yakima Chart of

Accounts and all financial transactions must be posted to the correct account(s).

Any parish with specific sub-accounts must be integrated into the accounts as

defined in Appendix D. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) The Chart of Accounts, under GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)

includes Cash, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Fund Accounts, and

Income and Expenses. For purposes of the Diocese of Yakima, parishes and

schools must report income and expenses monthly which will be combined with

the diocesan financials for the Review Financial Statements (Combined Fiscal

Year Report). We would strongly encourage you to set up your accounting

software to include GAAP in your parish or school financial statements.

2) Income must never be netted against expenses and expenses must never be netted

against income. Such netting understates both income and expenses and violates

basic accounting principles. For certain income accounts, there are associated

expense accounts that are netted together for diocesan assessment purposes.

Please review the Chart of Accounts in Appendix D to identify these accounts.

3) Refunds and reimbursements of expenses other than from insurance claims must

be credited to the proper expense account from which it originated (reduces

expense account to actual parish cost).

4) Operating expenses of the school that are paid for by the parish must be recorded

in the subsidy account (e.g., accounting, secretarial, and maintenance salaries and

benefits, insurance, utilities).

5) Shared salaries and benefits must be reasonably allocated by the pastor where

mission/parishes, schools and cemeteries exist.

6) Some examples of account classification include:

a. For restricted funds, a separate income account could be established to

track the income restricted for a specific purpose.

b. The income and expenses related to a capital campaign and subsequent

project must be recorded in the parish accounts and reported on the

Monthly Report.


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7) For any questions regarding the Chart of Accounts please contact the Diocesan

Finance Office at 509-965-7117.

Refer to Appendix D for a detailed description of each account and Appendix P for the

Fixed Asset Description Sheet & Forms.


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Clergy Compensation Section last updated July 1, 2013

Introduction: The Unique Status of Priests and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service

(IRS)

Priests’ compensation and benefits have a unique status within the IRS code. The IRS

recognizes the clergy as self-employed individuals for the purposes of Social Security.

Under this classification the clergy are required to pay all Social Security and Medicare

taxes. In the Diocese of Yakima priests are not allowed to opt-out of Social Security.

The amount of these taxes are computed on the Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax)

Form and added to the general income tax assessment.

In addition, for IRS tax purposes, the Diocese of Yakima considers the clergy to be

“employed” persons by the diocese/parishes. This classification means that all earnings

must be reported on a W-2 Form. All priests receiving a salary and/or stipend checks

from any parish will be receiving a W-2 from the parish.

Finally the IRS states that when a priest incurs an expense, which is for the direct benefit

of the parish (business connection), and can prove it with a receipt (substantiation i.e.

detailed), the reimbursement qualifies as a tax-free reimbursement. In order for a priest

to receive reimbursement for any of his expenses, especially those listed below, he must

meet these two requirements (clear business connection and detailed receipts) first.

Both the finance council of the parish and the pastor & associate priest(s) are called upon

to be good stewards of the financial resources provided by the faithful. It is their job to

use these funds appropriately.

Clergy Benefits and Support:

Important Notes: In the following list of benefits and support for priests various types

of forms and documents are mentioned. Any tax related forms can be found on the IRS

website at www.irs.gov/. All other forms/documents mentioned can be found on the

Diocese of Yakima’s website under finance in the offices tab at the top of the website.

Bookkeepers should provide the priest with these forms/documents upon a new priest

entering into their parish.

Monthly Clergy Salaries:

See page 37 for current base salary (Effective 7/01/2013)

http://www.irs.gov/


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Offerings to Parishes for Special Services:

Offerings from the faithful (formerly called stole fees) presented for baptisms,

confirmations, marriages, funerals, and sacramentals are to be deposited in the

parish checking account and remain parish funds (Canons 531 and 551). The

following scale for offerings to a parish for special services is established as a

policy in the Diocese of Yakima beginning July 1, 2001:

Wedding $200.00

Baptism $20.00

Funeral with Graveside $100.00

Graveside Only $50.00

Quinceañera $250.00

Additional Notes:

1. A priest, for good reason, may accept less than the above, but should not

charge more.

2. The above offerings belong to the parish, not the priest (Canons 531 and

551). The scale should be published.

3. Offerings given to deacons belong to the deacon.

4. The $10.00 stipend for offering a Mass for a particular intention belongs

to the priest who celebrates the Mass (Canon 945).

5. A parish may add a charge for use of a parish facility other than the church

building and add a charge for non-members and extra rehearsals. (Approved 11/02/2006; Revised 7/01/2013)

Gifts:

The priest may from time to time receive gifts from a member of his parish (for

example, a birthday or Christmas gift). These gifts are private, not for services

performed. They should not be combined with special service offerings or

stipends. They do not enter the parish donation records. As gifts, they are not

reportable income (i.e. non-taxable). Nor may the giver receive recognition for a

donation (i.e. the giver may not write off their gift to the priest as a tax-deductable

donation on their taxes).

Mass Stipends:

The offering presented by the faithful for the celebration of Mass for a definite

intention belongs to the priest who celebrates or concelebrates the Mass. The

normal offering established in the Diocese of Yakima is $10.00 unless the donor

specifies a different amount (Canon 945). These offerings are not recorded in the


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parish books. However, these offerings are reportable (i.e. taxable) by the priest

to the individual preparing his income tax return. (Revised 7/01/2013)

Stipends for Substitute Priests:

The normal stipend for each Sunday Mass is $50 and $25 for each daily Mass.

Substitute priests also receive mileage. All substitute priests will receive a W-2

from each parish that has paid a stipend for the services performed during the

calendar year. This stipend is taxable.

Work Week & Day-Off:

Within the Diocese of Yakima, priests have a 6 day work week which includes

Saturday and Sunday. In return, each priest is entitled to one day (24 hours) off a

week, which can accumulate to a maximum of up to 5 days (without a weekend)

depending on the needs of the parish. These days do not count against his

vacation days.

Vacation:

Each priest may take up to 31 days of paid vacation each calendar year. He must

arrange for a priest substitute so that the regular Sunday Mass and confession

schedule is maintained. The pastor must approve the cost for the substitute.

Priests are responsible for paying transportation costs for priests from outside the

diocese. The bishop must approve all visiting priests from outside of the diocese

and U.S. border.

Priests of an area must coordinate their vacations to assure that at least one

English speaking and one Spanish speaking priest are available to the faithful.

Any priest who is absent beyond the 31 days allowed will not be paid for the

additional days. He will also be charged for the cost of the substitute for those

additional days.

A suggested calendar which can track your vacation days is provided on the

Diocese of Yakima website.

Medical and Dental Insurance:

The salary provider will pay full premium for the priest’s health and dental

insurance coverage. Payments will be made to the Diocesan Finance Office or to

the Superior of the Religious Order for the benefit of the priest. The priest will be

responsible for the first $500 of his medical bills each calendar year. Costs

thereafter will be paid by the insurer and the balance reimbursed by the Diocesan


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Clergy Supplemental Fund. Bills must be submitted to the Diocesan

Finance/Benefits Office, who will be able to provide proper forms and

instructions to request reimbursements. These reimbursements have no effect on

wages.

Retirement:

The salary provider will pay $300 month into the Diocesan Priest Retirement

Fund at the Diocesan Finance Office or to the Superior of the Religious Order.

For those priests working outside the diocese, the premium is $300 per month,

payable to the same offices. (Effective 7/01/2013)

Priests are Exempt from Payroll Tax Withholding:

The IRS has exempted priests from payroll tax withholding, however if a priest

owes more than $1,000 in taxes for a year he must make quarterly estimated tax

payments. Failure to do so results in interest and penalty assessments.

A priest may request voluntary withholding instead of paying quarterly (a set

amount would be deducted from his paycheck each payday, and sent to the IRS,

along with the employee taxes, this would also show in their W-2 at the end of the

year). If a priest chooses this method, he does not fill out a W-4 form as

employees do, but instead will use a Clergy Federal Withholding Election Form

found on the diocese website.

Reimbursement of Social Security Taxes for Priests:

The salary provider will reimburse the priest one half of social security tax (also

known as self-employment tax) up to $2,025. To be reimbursed submit a copy of

your Schedule SE Form from the previous year’s Federal Income Tax by the end

of December of the following year. Failure to submit your Schedule SE will

result in the loss of that reimbursement for that year. This reimbursement is not a

business expense so it is reportable income (i.e. taxable) in the earnings for the

current year.

Automobile Insurance for Priests:

The salary provider will reimburse one half of the vehicle insurance premiums

paid by the priest for one vehicle. Catholic Mutual (our insurance provider)

requires that each priest must carry $100,000 per person (bodily injury), $300,000

per incident and $100,000 per property damage in liability coverage on all

vehicles they own. Priests in the Diocese of Yakima are strongly encouraged to

own, not lease their car(s). The minimum deductible shall be $500. Submit a


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copy of a detailed insurance bill to the bookkeeper for reimbursement. This

reimbursement is taxable.

Auto Allowance for Priests:

The priest will select one of the following plans for car allowances. The decision

is made at the time the priest arrives at the parish. The car allowance plan may be

changed at the beginning of each calendar year (January 1).

Plan A: A flat stipend of $450 per month will be paid to the priest by the parish.

No other reimbursement can be requested to the parish for auto expenses. The

total stipend ($5,400 per year) paid to the priest will be added to his wages

reported on his W-2 (i.e. taxable). The priest is encouraged to keep a detailed

mileage log and vehicle expense record if he wishes to deduct some of these costs

on his personal tax return.

Plan B: The reimbursement plan will provide a stipend of $300 per month plus a

reimbursement of all business miles reported to the parish on an approved detailed

mileage log. The total stipend ($3,600 per year) paid to the priest will be added to

his wages reported on his W-2 (i.e. taxable). Mileage reimbursement rate is equal

to the IRS rate which is featured on the IRS website. Mileage reimbursement

counts as non-taxable income. By selecting this plan the priest may not deduct

mileage or any vehicle expenses for this car on his personal tax return.

Personal Food Reimbursement:

The parish shall reimburse the priest for food and beverage purchases for his

personal consumption aligned to the IRS code. Food reimbursement is split into

three parts:

1) Groceries (food and beverages only) purchased for use in the rectory

kitchen.

The amount to be reimbursed is unlimited within reason and good

common sense.

i. These reimbursements are non-taxable.

ii. To be reimbursed priests must submit detailed receipts of

their purchases.

iii. Without proper receipts, no reimbursement will be made.

2) Meals/Food consumed away from the rectory in a personal setting.

The amount to be reimbursed cannot exceed $600 per month.

i. These reimbursements are taxable.


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ii. To be reimbursed priests must submit the bill plus the

signature receipt (credit card) of their purchases.

iii. Without proper documentation and receipts, no

reimbursement will be made.

3) Business Meals (i.e. meals in which parish/diocesan matters are the main

topic)

The amount to be reimbursed is unlimited within reason.

i. These reimbursements are non-taxable.

ii. To be reimbursed priests must submit the bill plus the

signature receipt (credit card transaction) of their

purchases. When you are claiming a “business meal” you

also must include names of the persons you dined with

and the name of the group.

iii. Without proper receipts, no reimbursement will be made.

When priests are on personal travel or vacation, food/beverage purchases are not

reimbursable.

Reimbursed Business Expenses:

Priests may obtain reimbursement for ordinary business expenses. These shall

include travel, lodging, incidental travel fees, vehicle rental, taxi fares, business

meals, meeting fees, job related materials, and items purchased for the use of the

parish with personal funds or credit card. All expenses submitted for

reimbursement must be supported by a bill and signed receipts (credit card

transaction) or will become taxable if the receipts are inadequate.

Additional “Non-Taxable” Benefits:

Rectory: A furnished home or an apartment shall be provided for each priest. This

benefit is not subject to income tax; however the estimated value of the housing must be

included in the IRS Schedule SE Form for computing Social Security (i.e. Self-

Employment) Tax.

Housekeeper and/or Cook: The parish will hire a housekeeper at the priest’s request to

clean and maintain the rectory. A cook may also be hired to provide meals for the priest.

If a cook is not provided, the priest shall prepare his own meals or purchase them from

local restaurants. The housekeeper/cook may purchase grocery items for the priest if

desired. The costs of these groceries are included as a part of the food reimbursement.

Repairs and Maintenance: The parish will care for the rectory, its furnishings and the

attached grounds.


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Utilities: The parish will pay the electricity, water, garbage collection, gas, and phone

service in the rectory, if applicable.

TV/Cable Services: The parish will pay for expanded cable services, which includes

several foreign language channels if desired. Premium sports services, movie channels,

pay-for-view, and additional foreign language channels, etc. will be billed to the priest.

Cell Phone/Plan: A priest can purchase a cell phone and the parish will provide $200

once every two years towards a new phone and $50 every month toward a voice-only

plan, or $90 every month toward a voice and data plan. If a priest wants a more

expensive phone or plan any additional cost is paid by the priest. This phone is the

property of the priest.

Computer: The parish will provide a computer for the priest to use in his office. The

computer will be installed with appropriate operating systems, Microsoft Office programs

and malware prevention programs. A backup system will be provided, either using the

parish network or other reliable backup system. Programs commonly used by the staff

will be installed on the computer. Personal programs may be installed on the computer as

long as the programs do not interfere with the integrity of the parish network. The

computer shall remain the property of the church.

Laptop/iPad/etc.: If a laptop or iPad is used in lieu of an office computer, the parish will

purchase the item. If an additional laptop or iPad is desired the parish will pay up to

$200 per year for only one personal computing device if the priest wishes to purchase

one.

A final note: When leaving the parish, all items provided by the parish for use in the

rectory or office, if paid for with parish funds, remain with the parish with the exception

of cell phones and laptops/iPads.

(Effective 7/01/2013)

(See Next Page for Priest Salary Schedule)


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Priest Salary Schedule (Effective July 1, 2013)

Year Salary (monthly)

0. $1,285

1. $1,290

2. $1,295

3. $1,300

4. $1,305

5. $1,310

6. $1,315

7. $1,320

8. $1,325

9. $1,330

10. $1,335

11 $1,340

12. $1,345

13. $1,350

14. $1,355

15. $1,360

16. $1,365

17. $1,370

18. $1,375

19. $1,380

20. $1,385

21. $1,390

22. $1,395

23. $1,400

24. $1,405

1) Pastors with parishes that have a parish school (K-5 or K-8), or who have parishes

larger than 750 families, receive an additional $50 per month.

2) Pastors of all other parishes receive an additional $25 per month.

3) The normal monthly pension for Senior Priests who are at least 65, with at least

25 years of service, is $1,405. No additional compensation is provided based on

their assignment at retirement.


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Compliance Reviews

Policy: Parishes/Schools/Institutions will have a compliance review at least once

over a 6 year period as determined by the Diocesan Finance Office in order to assist

parishes and parish schools with the safeguarding of parish assets. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) Purpose of a Compliance Review:

a. To assist the parish/school/institution with accounting related issues

b. To identify areas that need improved internal controls

c. To hold the parish/school/institution accountable to Diocesan policies

d. Maintenance of facilities and property

e. Governance issues

f. Adherence to diocesan construction policies and procedures

2) The Diocese of Yakima Finance Office will schedule annual financial and

compliance reviews on a periodic cycle, every 6 years.

3) Several parishes and one school will be selected for a compliance review each

year.

4) A parish/school/institution may also request a compliance review.

5) The parishes/schools/institutions are encouraged to budget $1,000 for the

potential cost of a compliance review.

6) Compliance review expense will be paid 50% by parish/school/institution and

50% by the Diocese of Yakima.

7) Compliance Reviews are based on the most recent completed fiscal year.

8) These compliance reviews will include financial issues, maintenance of buildings

and property and building resources based on depreciation.

9) Parishes/schools/institutions will receive a management letter listing any required

changes in procedures or non-compliance with diocesan policies.

10) Parishes/schools/institutions will make all noted corrections and implement any

required changes in order to be in compliance with diocesan policy and

procedures within three months after completion of the audit or have a plan to be

in compliance within one year.


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11) Diocesan Finance Office will follow-up on compliance review recommendations.

12) The report will be provided to the Chief Financial Officer.


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Conflict of Interest Policy

Policy: A conflict of interest form must be signed annually by each member of any

diocesan/parish council (finance/building/pastoral), school, institution, or similar

governing body. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) The Chief Financial Officer oversees the conflict of interest policy. He may seek

legal advice on any issues or concerns under this policy.

2) The committee chairs, pastor, or principal are responsible for overseeing the

implementation of the conflict of interest policy.

3) The governing member/Pastor/Principal is responsible for the administration of

this policy and safekeeping of signed statements.

4) Members must follow all applicable as listed in the conflict of interest policy.

5) All noted conflicts of interest completed forms must be sent to the Chief Financial

Officer.

6) Refer to Appendix H for the Conflict of Interest Statement & Form.


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Diocesan Collections & Remittance

Policy: It is essential that checks be made out to the correct diocesan corporation in

order to be processed properly. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) It is not necessary to write multiple checks to the same entity.

2) The monies will be applied as directed on the check.

3) The following points indicate how checks must be written:

All checks for diocesan collections, assessments and employee benefits must

be made out to the Diocese of Yakima. In addition, allocations between

diocesan collections must be calculated and listed according to donor

directions. Check for lay contribution retirement plan (403b) and Flexible

Spending Account must include a detailed spreadsheet.

Checks to be deposited to Capital Revolving Program or for parish loans must

be made out to the Diocese of Yakima Capital Revolving Program.

Checks to be deposited to parish/school endowments must be made out to the

Central Washington Catholic Foundation.

Checks to be deposited to Catholic Charities Christmas Collection must be

made out to the Catholic Charities.

Checks to be deposited for Retirement must be made out to the Diocese of

Yakima and must be a separate check.

Checks for the ACA must be a separate check.

4) Checks made payable to the wrong corporation will be returned to the parish to

change the payee name to the correct corporation.

5) Using the correct corporate name helps maintain the separate nature of these

funds.


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Diocesanum

Policy: The Bishop sets the Diocesanum (currently 6% of annual Sunday

Collections), otherwise known as the parish assessment, with advisement from the

Diocesan Consultors and the Diocesan Finance Council in accordance with Canon

Law:

After the diocesan Bishop has heard the finance council and the presbyteral

council, he has the right to impose a moderate tax for the needs of the diocese

upon public juridic persons subject to his governance…

Canon 1263 Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) Funds are used for the administration and the ministries of the Diocese of

Yakima, which include the administrative offices of the Bishop, Vicar-General,

Finance, and other general diocesan programs.

2) The parish assessment is based on Sunday Collections. School subsidies are

deducted from Sunday Collections upon which the Diocesanum is based.

Additional deductions occur if a parish does not have a school, but has children of

parishioners attending a catholic school. In that case, the parish can take a credit

equal to the amount the parish provides the school as a deduction.

Example #1: Parish without school & no parishioner’s children attending another

Catholic School

Parish: $500,000 (2010-11 Sunday Collections) x 6% = $30,000 (Diocesan billing)

Example #2: Parish with school

Parish: $500,000 (2010-11 Sunday Collections)

-$25,000 (less school subsidy)

$475,000 x 6% = $28,500 (Diocesan billing)

Example #3: Parish without school, but has children of parishioners attending a

nearby diocesan school and contributes monetarily to that school.

Parish: $500,000 (2010-11 Sunday Collections)

-$20,000 (less school subsidy)

$480,000 x 6% = $28,000 (Diocesan billing)


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Disbursements by Check

Policy: All expenditures are to be approved by the pastor and be paid by check. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) The pastor must also sign all checks.

2) A set day(s) of the week is recommended for check approval and payment.

3) The documentation (invoice, payroll summary, petty cash receipts) supporting the

check must note the account charged and must be filed alphabetically by fiscal

year.

4) A person independent of the accounting, authorization process, and asset custody,

must review the bank reconciliations and cash disbursements and receipts of all

accounts once a month. For example the finance council chairman may be

available to perform this duty.

5) The unused checks must be stored in a locked safe or file cabinet accessible only

by the pastor and the bookkeeper.


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Electronic Banking

Policy: Parishes/Schools/Institutions that engage in electronic banking must follow

the procedures below. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

Internal Controls for Electronic Banking

3) Deposits with Remote Deposit Scanner

a. Checks are sent directly to the bank through the remote deposit scanner

(checks are not endorsed). The electronic deposit must balance exactly to your

computer deposit. Print a check listing after sending the deposit to the bank

and file with your deposit records.

b. Checks must be kept in a safe secure location with limited access. Check

items should be destroyed after 14 days or when all reasonable attempts to

collect on the checks have been made using a cross cut shredder. If necessary

check copies are available on line through the bank or you may receive

scanned copies with your bank statement.

4) Online Bank Statements

a. Online bank statements must be accessed and printed each month and the

pastor or the chair of the Finance Council (a person not involved in the check

writing process) should review and initial it prior to reconciliation.

5) E-mailed Invoices

a. E-mailed invoices are treated the same as invoices received through the mail.

Online invoices and statements must be printed, reviewed and processed the

same as any mailed invoices.

6) Electronic Disbursements

a. Parishes/Schools are allowed to pay recurring expenses through automated

payments only if an adequate paper trail is maintained. Once the payment is

made online the payment receipt is attached to the invoice as you would a

check copy and held in the parish/school files. Parishes/schools must have

adequate computer safeguards and software to protect financial information.


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7) Electronic Receipts

a. We encourage parishes/schools to offer electronic payment methods to their

parishioners/parents. Different methods include third party merchant services,

local bank set up, and personal online banking.

b. All donor credit card information must be handled in compliance with PCI

(Payment Card Industry) regulations. Parishioner bank or credit card

information submitted to the parish/school must be stored in a secure (locked)

file or safe or password protected computer.


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Expense Reimbursement

Policy: Persons who have incurred expenses on behalf of the parish/school must use

the Diocese of Yakima Check Request Form or another parish/school approved

form to request reimbursement. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) The Check Request From (Appendix F) must be accompanied by receipts for

items purchased.

2) Personal expenditures for the parish must be pre-approved through this form

before they are incurred.

3) Expenses incurred by volunteers are only reimbursed if they are pre-approved by

the pastor.

4) Non-reimbursed expenses, including mileage (according to the published IRS

standards), can be claimed as a tax deduction on the volunteer’s income taxes in

the form of charitable contributions.

5) The parish must issue a receipt for a noncash contribution as explained on page

78.

6) See the Appendix S for sample Ministry Mileage Log.


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Fraud Policy

Policy: The Diocese of Yakima does not tolerate fraud and anyone violating these

policies may be faced with disciplinary actions and including termination and

prosecution if necessary. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) Fraud is any theft or misuse of parish assets for another’s gain.

2) The following list provides examples of fraud:

a. Any dishonest or fraudulent act.

b. Forgery or alteration of policy related items, such as loans, bank

documents, changes in beneficiary.

c. Forgery or alteration of checks, drafts, promissory notes and securities.

d. Any misappropriation of funds, securities, supplies or any other asset.

e. Any irregularity in the handling or reporting of money transactions.

f. Disappearance of furniture, fixtures and equipment (computers, printers,

etc.)

g. Any similar or related irregularity.

The parish internal controls are designed to minimize the possibility of fraud and protect

employees and volunteers. However, parish assets are still vulnerable to fraud.

Unfortunately, fraud is most often committed by long-term and trusted employees who

have fallen into personal financial difficulties.

3) The pastor and finance council are responsible for being aware of exposures and

symptoms of exposures in their parishes, and for detecting suspected wrongdoing.

As soon as an impropriety is detected or suspected, the Chief Financial Officer

must be contacted immediately.

4) The Diocesan Office of Finance is responsible for the investigation or for the

direction of the investigation of any suspected irregularity and will coordinate all

investigations in coordination with the Chief of Staff. The Chief Financial

Officer or the Chief of Staff will notify Catholic Mutual.

5) The pastor and finance council will support the Diocese of Yakima’s

responsibilities and must cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the

detection, investigation and reporting of criminal acts, including prosecution of

offenders. Additionally, failure to report alleged incidents to local law

enforcement will jeopardize future ability for prosecution and restitution.


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6) Great care must be taken in the investigation of suspected improprieties or

irregularities so as to avoid incorrect accusations or alerting suspected individuals

that an investigation is under way and also to avoid making any statements which

could provide a basis for a suit for false accusation or other offenses.

Accordingly, the pastor and finance council must do the following:

1. Not contact the suspected individual to determine facts or demand

restitution.

2. Not discuss the case with anyone inside the Diocese of Yakima other than

the Bishop of Yakima, Chief of Staff and Chief Financial Officer and any

others who have a “need to know”.

3. Not discuss the case, facts, suspicions or allegations with anyone outside

the Diocese of Yakima, unless specifically directed to do so by the Bishop,

Chief of Staff or Chief Financial Officer.

4. Direct to the Chief of Staff or the Chief Financial Officer all inquiries

from the suspected individual or from the individual’s representative or

attorney. Proper response to such an inquiry must be, “I’m not at liberty to

discuss this matter.” Under no circumstances must there be any reference

to “what you did,” “the crime,” “the fraud,” “the forgery,” “the

misappropriation,” etc.

Please contact the Chief Financial Officer with any questions regarding this policy.


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Fundraising Accounting Policies & Procedures

Policy: If a parish/school is having a fundraiser, the following conditions must be

met. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

Bank Accounts:

1) All bank accounts must use the parish/school Tax ID number.

2) The Principal, Vice Principal, Pastor, and the Bishop for the Diocese of Yakima

must be included as signers for all accounts. The Treasurer may be a signer on

the account.

3) Copies of the check signer cards must be maintained in the parish/school office.

4) All accounts must have two signatures required on all checks issued. However, if

the check is payable to one of the check signers or related party (spouse, family

relation or business owned by signer), then that person may not sign the check

payable to themselves or related party.

Documentation for Check Writing:

1) Documentation that supports all checks written must be maintained. For example:

a. Invoices from vendors.

b. Approved receipts for checks payable to individuals.

c. Approval for receipts shall be indicated by signature or initials of

approving authority (committee chairs or designees).

2) Establishing vendor accounts for charging goods and services too:

a. This may be done by the Committee Treasurer.

b. A list of authorized signers must be maintained, and a copy submitted to

the parish/school office.

c. These accounts may only be used during the fundraisers/committees peak

operation times. During non peak times reimbursement only options will

be used.

3) At this time debit/credit cards tied to the fundraising accounts will not be

authorized.


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Procedures for Revenue Collection:

2) Two people separate from the Treasurer must count/document all funds received:

a. For checks:

i. Run two tapes, one for each person, initial and date, give to

Treasurer for deposit.

b. For cash:

ii. All cash must be counted by two people at the same time, receipt

with date, initials and total is submitted to treasurer or designee for

deposit.

c. On the day of event:

iii. Cash and checks are counted and totaled at the end of the event

using the same procedures listed above.

3) All revenues collected must be submitted to the bank within 24 hours of receipt:

b. If unable to meet that deadline, then funds must be stored at the

parish/school in a secure fireproof location.

Documentation for Revenue Collection:

2) Documentation for all Individual donations received:

a. Letters of registration/acknowledgement.

b. Receipts issued by fundraiser for amounts received.

c. Thank you letters with amounts indicated or receipts attached.

See page 77 for more information on cash receipts.

3) In-Kind Contributions (goods and services) must also be documented:

See page 78 for more information on in-kind donations.

Bank Reconciliations:

1) Must be completed monthly by the Treasurer of the organization.

2) Completed bank reconciliation with bank statements must be submitted to

Committee Chairs for approval:

b. Chairs sign/initial bank reconciliation to indicate approval.


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Financial Statements:

1) For Annual Events: Golf Tournament, Auction, Yearbook, Book Fair, School

Supply Kits, etc.

a. Financial statements are to be completed and submitted to parish/school

no later than 60 days from date of event.

b. Should include a revenue and distributions report:

i. The ending balance “excess of revenues over disbursement” must be

equal to the amount contributed to the parish/school. Do not include

the check to the school as an expense.

c. Beginning and ending cash balances.

d. Copy of final bank statement that reconciles with the ending cash balance.

2) For ongoing events and committees:

a. Financial statements are to be completed and submitted to parish/school

on a quarterly basis.

b. The reports must include items b. thru d. listed above.

c. A balance sheet is also required. This report must include inventory,

receivables and payables outstanding.

Background Checks and Screenings: The Diocese of Yakima policy is that all volunteers

must complete background checks and sign confidentiality statements. See background

check policy on pages 7-8.


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Gambling

Policy: Gambling is permitted as long as the parish/school sponsors the activity but

does not budget for the income/expense or rely on it. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) The Finance Office must be informed if the parish/school or an organization in

the parish is to undertake any activities related to gambling.

2) The pastor must approve of all gambling activities.

3) Some examples of gambling activities include:

Bingo

Casino Nights

Raffles

4) If you undertake any gambling activities follow all state and other laws regarding

gambling, including the proper filing of all related paperwork provided on the

Washington State Gambling Commission’s web page at www.wsgc.wa.gov. For

more information and restrictions for non-profit organizations on gambling please

visit the Washington State Gambling Commission’s web page and consult the

“Gambling Activities” tab. Be sure to visit this website before your event and

include it as a part of your planning process.

http://www.wsgc.wa.gov/


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Health & Safety (L&I)

Policy: All diocesan employees are required to comply with all safety rules and

regulations Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

Employee Health & Safety

Employee health and safety are of vital concern to the Diocese of Yakima. Accordingly,

employees are not required to work at jobs known to be unsafe, unhealthy, or hazardous.

If employees believe their work environment is hazardous or unhealthy, they should

report it immediately to their supervisor or someone in a managerial capacity no matter

how minor the injury may seem. The Diocese of Yakima expects all employees to share

this responsibility for safety and health, and to comply with all safety rules and

regulations.

Procedures for reporting your any accident or injury

Employees are obligated to report promptly to their supervisor any accident or injury

even if the injury does not appear to be serious. If the employee requires medical

attention, arrange to have the employee driven to a hospital emergency room. Do not let

injured employees drive themselves to the clinic or hospital. For serious or life

threatening injuries, call 911 for emergency assistance. Your manager must contact the

Pastoral Center within 24 hours of you reporting your injury and speak with the Vice

Chancellor for Human Resources (509-965-7117) to answer certain questions needed to

set up your claim.

In the event of a job related illness or injury, the supervisor and/or employee (if able)

must complete an Employee Accident/Illness Report if applicable at their location. The

injury must be reported to the appropriate authority at the location as soon as possible.

The Pastoral Center representative or appropriate authority will gather all employee

personnel information as well as the injury information in order to report the injury to the

Diocese of Yakima workers’ compensation insurance carrier. The employee must have a

return to work release before returning to work. In addition, we may require medical

examinations to determine your fitness for duty. All information regarding the job related

illness or injury must be filed in the employee’s confidential file.

Refer to Appendix L for the Employee Accident/Illness Report Form.


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Internal Controls

Policy: All parishes/schools are to follow the following internal controls.

The ordinary is to exercise careful vigilance over administration of goods which belong

to the public juridic persons subject to him (canon 1276).

All (clerical and lay) administrators of ecclesiastical goods must fulfill their functions in

the name of the church (canon 1282).

Administrators are to fulfill the obligation of a good householder;

Therefore they must: (canon 1284 –1,2,7,8)

exercise vigilance against loss or damage, taking out insurance policies as

necessary

protect ownership by civilly valid methods

maintain well-organized records of receipts and expenditures

make an annual report on the administration Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

A. Parish & School

1) Parish Internal Controls:

a. The parish bookkeeper must not be an authorized signer on any checking or

savings accounts.

b. The Bishop must be a signer on all accounts including parish and school

organizations.

c. The pastor must be a signer on all parish accounts.

d. Additional authorized signers can be chosen from the Finance Council Chair

or Finance Council Members.

e. Other non-administrative paid staff may not be authorized signers on any

checking or savings accounts.

f. Bank statements will be first delivered and opened by an authorized signer or

their delegate who is not related to the accounting or bookkeeper function.

g. An authorized signer or delegate will review the bank statement monthly

along with the completed reconciliation.

h. Parishes should maintain one checking account for all financial operations.

i. Parishes are encouraged to use QuickBooks Pro Software or other approved

software (see page 1, for a list of other approved diocesan software).


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2) School Internal Controls:

a. The Bishop, pastor and principal are signers on all accounts.

b. The school bookkeeper may not be an authorized signer on any checking or

savings accounts.

c. Other non-administrative paid staff may not be authorized signers on any

school checking or savings accounts.

d. The pastor has the right to determine if a check requires two (2) signatures.

e. Bank statements will be first delivered and opened by an authorized signer or

their delegate who is not related to the accounting function.

f. An authorized signer or delegate will periodically review the bank statement

along with the completed reconciliation.

g. Schools should maintain one checking account for all financial operations

including hot lunch programs.

h. Schools are encouraged to use QuickBooks Pro Software or other approved

software.

i. Any applicant who will have regular, unsupervised access to children must, as

a condition of employment, successfully complete a Washington State Patrol

check, a Disclosure Statement and an FBI Fingerprint Background check.

j. The school bookkeeper will publish monthly financial reports on all accounts,

on a timely basis. Financial reports will be reviewed by the pastor, principal

and school finance council members.

k. The Finance Council must include individuals with financial competency who

actively participate in the oversight of the organization’s finances.

B. Additional Internal Controls

Numerous internal control procedures are included in this manual. The following

checklist highlights additional internal control procedures which are recommended

for all parishes. Please refer to this checklist in conjunction with the preceding policy

to ensure that your parish is using the proper control procedures.

1. The Finance Council must meet at least four times per year, review and give

advisory approval for the annual budget to the pastor, and review the most

recent parish financial report which must be prepared monthly on a timely

basis, meaning by the 15th

of the following month. Any variances from the

budget must be analyzed. Minutes must be maintained for all meetings. The

Finance Council must be aware of all bank accounts and their activity.

2. A person independent of the payroll and accounting process must review the

payroll and the related tax returns at least semiannually. This must include the

tracing of wire payments to the bank statements as evidence of tax and

withholding remittance.


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3. All monies received, from any income source, must be deposited intact on a

prompt basis. The individuals counting or depositing the monies must not be

maintaining the financial system.

4. All parish financial records must be maintained and stored at the parish office

for at least seven years.

5. All employees must be placed on the formal payroll.

6. Personnel files must be maintained for lay workers. The files must contain the

completed application form, Form I-9 for employment eligibility, Form W-4

for tax exemptions, compensation information, vacation and sick time usage,

and a description of the job duties.


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Month-End Procedures and Preparation of Financial Statements

Policy: All parishes must follow Month-End Procedures and Preparation of

Financial Statements as outlined below. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) At the end of each month, the parish bookkeeper must make any necessary

adjusting journal entries, including recording all past due assessments and

accounts payable amounts.

2) Backups must be promptly made with duplicate copies maintained at another

location. The pastor must maintain a current list of all passwords.

3) Parish Financial Statements must be prepared on a monthly basis by the 15th

of

the following month with review by the pastor monthly and by the Finance

Council at least quarterly.

4) If applicable, separate statements must also be prepared for the school and

cemetery. All parish organizations with their own checkbooks must be combined

with the parish books and reports.

5) The school, cemetery, and parish organizations must be submitting the statements

at least quarterly to the Finance Council for review. Specifically, the following

statements must be prepared:

1. A statement of financial position (balance sheet) listing all assets,

liabilities and net assets. The accounting equation is Assets equals

Liabilities plus Net Assets.

2. A fiscal year-to-date statement of change in net assets (income and

expense report) containing columns for the year-to-date budget amounts

and the actual versus budgeted numbers. A column showing percentages

may also be desired as well as a column showing the current month

activity versus the same period activity for the prior year. This could also

be used as a cash flow statement.

3. The Pastor and the Finance Council must receive a detailed schedule of all

liabilities of the parish. Examples include: unpaid invoices past 30 days,

taxes, insurance and other payroll deductions, unpaid short and long-term

borrowings, outstanding diocesan assessments, priest pension assessment,

un-remitted special collections, and contract commitments.


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4. An optional statement of cash flows may also be prepared.

5. Refer to Appendix V for an explanation of Non-Profit Financial

Reporting.


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Monthly Financial Report

Policy: At the end of the month, parish bookkeepers must submit a financial

statement to the Diocese using cash basis accounting Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) There are many reasons for having each parish complete and send Monthly

Financial Reports to the Diocese of Yakima. The Diocese of Yakima uses

Monthly Financial Reports as a tool for financial accountability, internal financial

analysis, historical record, and to combine with the annual financial statement for

the diocese.

2) In addition, the Monthly Financial Report is used to determine the Diocesanum

and Annual Catholic Appeal target.

3) It is important to receive accurate and timely financial information so that these

objectives can be obtained.

4) All parishes are required to file the Final Financial Report to the Diocese of

Yakima by July 20th

of each year.

5) The reporting period is from July 1st through June 30

th.

6) The pastor/principal is expected to sign a Monthly Financial Report.

7) A fixed assets report must also be submitted monthly.

8) All funds held in bank accounts must be disclosed on the Monthly Financial

Report.

9) Annual activity in each fund or account must be included in the receipts and

disbursement activity disclosed on the report.


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Offertory Collections – Handling Procedures

Policy: All parishes must follow the following procedures for the handling of

Sunday Collections. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) A collection counting committee or designated group/team must be established in

sufficient number to count collections as expeditiously as possible. Selection of

members is extremely important. Prospects must be screened and approved by

the pastor. The number of members must be sufficient to cover the counting

requirements without overburdening the members, considering absences,

vacations, etc.

2) At least two unrelated people must be involved in counting parish collections. All

counters must successfully complete a background check. These persons must be

rotated on a regular basis and at least one of them must not be an employee.

Additionally, there must be at least three to five counting teams utilized since odd

numbers prevent rotation routine. Refer to Appendix B for a Background Check

Form.

3) A cash collection report must be compiled, in writing, during the counting process

and signed by all the counting team members. Refer to Appendix G for a sample

Collections Count Form.

4) All collections must be placed in pre-numbered tamper evidence bags. The

collection must be placed in the bags by two unrelated people and the collection

count must be done in a secure area in the parish office or another parish facility.

Counting collection in parishioners’ homes in not permissible.

5) The bag must be sealed with at least two people present. After the bag is sealed,

it can be in the presence of one person, however when the bag is opened two

people must be present. Suggested tamper evidence bag procedures and a sample

log are included in Appendix AA.

6) The same two unrelated people must make the final tally (in ink) and agree on the

amount of the bank deposit, which must be made as soon as possible. For

electronic banking cash and checks would be deposited separately.

7) The amount of offering must be indicated on the outside of the envelopes for

subsequent postings to parishioners’ statements. All envelopes must have an

amount written on them. Loose checks must be listed or copied for subsequent

posting to parishioners’ statements.


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8) Envelopes and checks must be recorded by the parishioners’ name and the

envelope and check listing must be forwarded to the appropriate individual to

update the offering records. The individual must not have participated in

counting the collection and must not be the bookkeeper or another employee

involved in the financial recordkeeping for the parish.

9) Statements must be sent to parishioners at least yearly.

10) All checks must be endorsed during the counting procedure deposited as soon as

possible after the service.

11) If there is no safe on the premises, collection proceeds must be deposited

immediately. However, even with a secure storage area, deposits must be made

no later than the first business day following the service.

12) The amount deposited to the bank must be reconciled to the amount posted to

parishioner records. This reconciliation must be done weekly by a party not

involved in either the count or the posting.

Collections must be deposited separately from other deposits, so the bank statements will

only reflect the amount deposited for Sunday Collections making the statement easy to

reconcile.


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Other Parish/School Organizations – Accounting Procedures

Policy: The following recommendations are to be followed for any bank accounts of

all parish or school activities, organizations, and societies: Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) The pastor must be listed as a signer on all such accounts so that he has the legal

authority to obtain and review the bank or other financial institution account

records. This does not preclude others from being listed on such accounts (e.g.,

organization treasurer signing the checks).

2) Since the accounts of affiliated societies and organizations often use the Employer

Identification number of the parish, it is important that the pastor as the legal

representative of the parish be in a position to oversee the activity in each such

account.

a. Bank statements for all such accounts must be mailed directly to the

rectory or parish office and reviewed by the pastor or his designee (not the

bookkeeper) to ensure that all transactions are proper and that all checks

paid have been properly authorized.

b. The pastor has the responsibility for seeing that all of the societies and

organizations of the parish and school are operated in compliance with

civil regulations and diocesan standards of reporting and accountability.

Therefore, budgets and financial reports for parish/school organizations

must be submitted to the pastor and the parish finance council on at least a

monthly basis. The finance council must review the financial reports,

including monthly bank reconciliations on at least a quarterly basis.

3) The above policies are consistent with the role of the pastor and his

responsibilities for administrating the temporal goods of the parish as defined in

Canon Law. Moreover, they are intended to provide a means of assuring that the

activities of parish organizations and societies are conducted in accordance with

pertinent civil laws and regulations and that they do not jeopardize the tax exempt

status of the parish and school.


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Parish/School Responsibilities to the Diocese

Policy: All reports required by the diocese (e.g., monthly financial reports, Annual

Catholic Appeal) are to be filed on a timely basis. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) If a parish/school cannot meet the filing due date, or has questions regarding the

completing of the report, the Finance Office or other appropriate office must be

notified.

2) Each parish/school and mission is expected to pay its assessments on a timely

basis. If a parish/school falls behind on its assessments or other obligations, the

following actions may be in order:

1. The pastor must discuss the situation with the Parish/School Finance

Council immediately. The Chief Financial Officer must be notified of

actions taken or planned to correct the situation within one month.

2. If the situation does not improve or becomes severe, the Chief of Staff,

pastor or Diocesan Finance Office, may request that the parish/school be

financially evaluated. If appropriate, a meeting may be held at the diocese

with the pastor and members of the Finance Council and the parish/school

council chairperson.

3) It is expected policy that all parishes/schools will classify income and expenses

using the definitions found in this manual and that all financial transactions of the

parish/school, including activity from other parish/school organizations, will be

reported on the monthly report.

The diocese must be informed of all lawsuits and other legal problems involving the

parish/school in order to comply with the requirements of Catholic Mutual. It is very

important that the diocese uses its own law firm. If the diocesan law firm is used in

parish matters, the parish/school will be asked to pay some or all of the fees.


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Pastor Responsibilities Regarding Parish Finances

Policy: The responsibility for the finances of the parish are entrusted to the pastor.

The pastor is the chief administrative and financial officer of the parish and is

directly accountable to the Bishop for temporal responsibilities of the parish. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

In order to assist the pastor in carrying out his responsibilities, in accord with the Code of

Canon Law (Canon 537), the following norms will govern the functioning of all parish

finance councils within the diocese:

1) All parishes must form a Finance Council.

2) Any parish that does not have a Finance Council, the Chief Financial Officer will

talk to the pastor and encourage him to develop a Finance Council. If that does

not occur, the Chief Financial Officer is required to report it to the Bishop.

3) The term pastor signifies a canonically appointed parochial shepherd.

4) Members of the Parish Finance Council are to be appointed by the pastor after

consultation with the Parish Pastoral Council. A chair person is selected from

Parish Finance Council members.

5) The pastor represents the parish in all matters of church law (Canon 532), and is

responsible to the Bishop for the total communion of the parish community in

word, worship, and service. According to the law of the Church, the Parish

Finance Council assists the pastor in a consultative capacity. The importance of

the consultative role of the Parish Finance Council is found in the particular

expertise the members bring to the area of responsible stewardship of material

goods available to further the mission of the Church in and beyond the parish.

It is essential that the pastor and the members of the Parish Finance Council be

aware of their stewardship responsibilities in light of the Gospel, the teachings of

the Catholic Church, and the Code of Canon Law.

6) The Parish Finance Council assists the pastor in the formulation of the parish

budget as it relates to the overall life of the parish and with special concern for the

goal and strategy(ies) of the parish pastoral plan established by the Parish Pastoral

Council.

7) The pastor is not a member of the Parish Finance Council but presides over it.

The Parish Finance Council never meets without the pastor.


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8) It is recommended that membership on the Parish Finance Council shall consist of

no less than three (3) but no more than five (5) members of the parish who have a

recognized expertise in financial matters and, where possible, in matters of civil

law as applicable to parochial circumstances. Furthermore, they are to be

prayerful people who are fully aware of the mission of the parish in the church.

Other specific qualifications may be identified as necessary by the pastor or

Pastoral Council.

9) The pastor must ensure that by-laws exist within the Parish Finance Council.

10) The members of the Parish Finance Council serve a limited term determined in

the bylaws established by each Parish Finance Council.

11) When the pastor ceases from office and upon the appointment of a new pastor or

administrator, the existing Parish Finance Council continues in existence for a

period of six months. During this time, the new pastor or administrator, together

with the Pastoral Council, should enter into a period of discernment focused on

whether the present Finance Council should complete its term or be partially or

entirely replaced.

12) The Parish Finance Council is to adhere to church law governing the

administration of ecclesiastical goods as stated in the Code of Canon Law. (For

example, Canon 1292 par. 4.)

13) The Parish Finance Council, adhering to the guidelines of the diocese and its

accounting procedures, is to assist the pastor in preparing the yearly parish budget

of income and expenses. Procedures should be developed to guide this process.

a. The Parish Pastoral Council recommends final approval of the budget to

the pastor.

b. The Parish Finance Council will assist the pastor in monitoring the budget

during the course of the fiscal year through quarterly financial statements

and through the required monthly financial cash disbursement and receipt

reports. These financial statements are to be made available to the

Pastoral Council and the parish community.

14) The Parish Finance Council is to meet quarterly or more often, if necessary.

15) If the parish has a parochial school, the Parish Finance Council will assist the

pastor in all matters related to the parish's financial support of the school.


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16) The Parish Finance Council will assist the pastor to insure that there is active and

informed participation of the parishioners in the Annual Catholic Appeal.

17) The Parish Finance Council is to be especially concerned that diocesan

assessments are kept current and that funds for health insurance, lay-retirement,

etc. are not used as operating funds.

18) The Parish Finance Council will assist the pastor in developing just salaries and

benefits for parish employees.

19) The Parish Finance Council should be available to assist the pastor in any

financial area of parochial administration where their financial expertise might be

needed in addition to the areas outlined above.

20) The Parish Finance Council is to keep abreast of diocesan policies regarding

investments, fund raising, property sale, new construction, etc.

21) One member of the Parish Finance Council is to be designated as liaison to the

Parish Pastoral Council.

22) If appropriate, pastors may hire a parish manager who will oversee administrative

duties in the parish and work with the Parish Finance Council.

23) Most civil documents and instruments are to be signed by the pastor. This

includes his being an authorized signer for all parish bank accounts and those of

any societies and organizations.

24) At a minimum, the pastor must review, or appropriately delegate to review, all

incoming mail including unopened bank statements, approve and sign all checks,

establish an active Parish Council and a Finance Council, meet with them at least

quarterly, and periodically supervise or review all parish activities, societies and

organizations.

25) The pastor must annually send in the names and signatures of all Finance Council

members as of June 30th

to accompany the Annual Finance Report.

26) See Appendix O for a sample Finance Council Agenda.


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Payroll

Policy: Each parish/school/institution is responsible for submitting the proper

documentation to federal and state governments for compensation paid to their

employees. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

A. W-2 Forms

a. Each year, before January 31st, the parish must issue a Form W-2 to all

compensated employees of the parish. Please refer to pages 73-74 for specific

instructions on diocesan priests.

b. Each tax year (ending December 31st) the Form W-2 is subject to change. It is the

responsibility of the parish bookkeeper or secretary to obtain the appropriate

updated form.

c. A Form W-2 must be prepared and given to an employee if any of these

conditions are met:

a. The individual received any amount of compensation as an employee.

b. The employee has had FICA or income tax withheld.

c. The employee would have had FICA or income tax withheld but did not

because the number of exemptions claimed exceeded the deduction

amount.

d. The employee received third party sick pay.

These are general requirements subject to annual change. The Diocese of Yakima

Finance Office must be consulted if there are any questions regarding who is to

receive a Form W-2.

d. Only originals of copy A of the Form W-2 may be filed with the Social Security

Administration. The form must be typed or printed from computer software.

e. Copy B and C are normally provided to the employee for their tax return

preparation. The parish retains copy D of the Form W-2 for parish files.


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f. Each box of the Form W-2 requires specific information to be entered into it.

Each year, changes in filing requirements require that parishes confirm the correct

information for each box.

g. The Form W-2 must be filed with the Social Security Administration by February

28th

along with Form W-3.

B. Form W-3

1. The parish must file a Form W-3, Transmittal of Income Tax on Tax Statement,

along with the Forms W-2.

2. This form must be completed and filed by February 28th

. This form must

accompany the Forms W-2.

C. Forms 1099

2. Parishes are required to file Forms 1099 for various payments they make for

services rendered to the church by individuals who are not employees of the

church, such as payments to the organist or pianist for playing during weekly

masses or to an individual who performs repair work on the building as an

independent contractor. The following questions can be used to determine

whether an individual is an employee or independent contractor. Answering “yes”

to one or more of these items may indicate employee status.

a. Does the parish furnish tools or a place to work?

b. Is payment based on the time spent rather than the task performed?

c. Does the parish have the right to discharge the individual performing the

service without legal liability?

d. Does the parish provide training for the individual?

If further clarification is needed, contact the Finance Office.

3. There are at least 12 forms in the 1099 family. The 1099-MISC is the form most

parishes will be using to report these payments.

4. In general, the following rules apply to determine if a Form 1099 needs to be

completed:


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a. Payments of $600 or more are made to a person (other than a corporation)

in a calendar year.

b. The payments made to a person are not subject to withholding taxes and

are not reported on a Form W-2.

c. Bonuses and reimbursements under a non-accountable reimbursement

plan (i.e., expenses are not substantiated or adequately accounted for) are

to be reported on a Form W-2, not a Form 1099.

5. The form must be filed by February 28th

of each year.

6. A copy of the Form 1099 must be retained and kept on file for three years.

D. Form 1096

1. The parish must file a Form 1096, Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S.

Information Returns, along with the Forms 1099 and Forms W-2G.

2. This form must be completed and filed by February 28th

.

E. 941/944 Reports

1. Each parish is responsible for filing its Form 941 to the federal government.

2. The 941 Quarterly Tax Report is to be filed by the last day of the month following

the quarter’s end. This report can be filed on the internet.

3. A copy of the 941 Quarterly Tax Report must be retained by the parish for three

years.

4. Beginning in 2006, for organizations owing less than $1,000 in payroll tax in any

given year, payroll tax reporting may be done on an annual basis using Form 944.

Participation in the annual reporting program must be pre-approved by the IRS.

Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 and select Option 2.

F. Form W-2G

1. Parishes conducting charitable gambling must file a Form W-2G for each person

who wins a single $600 prize or more and such winnings are at least 300 times the

amount of the single wager. For bingo winnings, the amount is a single $1,200

prize or more.


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2. The form must be filed by February 28th

of the year following the year the

winnings were paid.

3. There may be situations where the parish may be required to withhold a 27

percent tax from the winnings if the winnings exceed $5,000 and are at least 300

times the amount of the wager.

More information on these payroll forms is available on the internet at www.irs.gov.

http://www.irs.gov/


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Payroll Taxes

Policy: Quarterly payroll taxes to government entities must be paid and filed timely. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) 941 Employers Quarterly Federal Tax Return (IRS) is due the last day of the

month following each quarter. However the taxes due must be paid according to

your IRS schedule.

2) Labor and Industries:

All diocesan employees, including priests and religious must be included

in the quarterly report to Washington State Dept of Labor and Industries.

3) Unemployment:

All diocesan schools and parishes are exempt from state and federal

unemployment insurance.


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Payroll – W-2’s for Employees

Policy: W-2’s must be completed by January 31st of each year.

Section last updated July 1, 2013 Procedures:

W-2’s are due to employees by the end of January. It’s a good idea not to send the W-2’s

to Social Security until the end of February, giving employees a chance to let you know if

there are errors that need correcting. Also, check to make sure that your 941 quarterly

reports balance to your W-2’s. There is also information on the IRS website if you need

further explanation.

Employee W-2’s

For employees who pay for health, FSA or vision insurance with pre-tax dollars, do not

include those amounts in their W-2, since the withheld amount is not subject to Federal

Withholding or Social Security or Medicare. You may label and put those amounts in

Box 14 if desired, but not mandatory.

For employees who participate in our 403-B plan, check box 13 “Retirement Plan”, and if

they have a contribution deducted from their salary that amount is deferred from Federal

Withholding (not Social Security or Medicare). That amount is taxable when it’s

withdrawn. Their contribution is deducted from box 1, and shown in box 12 as E and the

amount.


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Payroll – W-2’s for Priests

Policy: Priests are considered employees for the purposes of reporting wages to

Social Security. Their earnings are reported to Social Security on Form W-2. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

These wages must be reported in the following manners:

W-2 Box 1

Box 2 if there is any optional withholding

941 Line 2

Wages must include the following:

1. Salary

2. Social Security Reimbursement

3. Mass stipend

4. Car allowance

5. Food consumed away from rectory

6. One half of Auto Insurance Reimbursement

Notes:

1) In parishes where there are no lay employees, it is not necessary to file a

Quarterly 941 Report. The priest must simply receive a W-2 and the W-3 must be

mailed to the following address: Social Security Administration, Data Operations

Center, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18769.

2) In parishes where there are lay employees, the parish bookkeeper is responsible

for the completion of the Quarterly 941 Report. Priest wages must be merged with

those of the lay employees to provide an accurate report of compensation paid by

the location. These wages must be added to Line 2 on the Quarterly Report. (Line

2 is for total wages subject to withholding. It does not mean that withholding must

have occurred.)

3) At the end of the calendar year, a W-2 is issued to the priest along with all lay

employees. The W-3 Transmittal Form is then sent to the address above.

4) Parishes which use a computerized payroll system may find that priest wages are

being handled in this manner automatically.


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5) If a visiting priest receives $50 or more we are required to give them a W-2.

6) If you have additional questions on visiting priests contact the Diocesan Finance

Office.


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Petty Cash

Policy: To properly account for petty cash funds, the following must be

implemented: Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) A check must be drawn payable to petty cash or the person responsible for petty

cash.

2) The check must be for a fixed amount of money, e.g., $100.

3) This check must be cashed with the proceeds immediately deposited into a locked

cash box. The bookkeeper or equivalent must be in charge of the petty cash

distributions.

4) Receipts, noting the date, payee, amount, purpose, and the account to be charged

must be maintained for all expenditures.

5) When almost all of the cash in the box is depleted, another check can be drawn

equal to the total amount expended.

6) The expenditure receipts are then cancelled, with the amounts posted to the cash

disbursements journal under their appropriate account categories.

7) At all times, the total of cash and receipts contained in the cash box must equal

the beginning cash amount.

8) Collection proceeds or other cash sources (e.g., votive candle money) must

not be used to replenish petty cash.


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Real Estate Transactions

Policy: All real estate transactions involving either the acquisition, disposal or

leasing of parish property are to be approved and signed by the Bishop. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

The diocese, under Washington State civil law, is a corporation sole in whose name is

vested the title to all real properties – land, buildings and improvements. Since the parish

is not a legal entity, all contracts must be signed by the Bishop. In all contracts, the

Owner is the Corporation of the Catholic Bishop of Yakima, a corporation sole.

1) As the legal owner of record, the Bishop must sign all legal documents in the

event of property purchased or sold.

2) The Bishops signature is also required on other property documents, e.g., those

granting easements or right-of-ways.

3) Any property transaction that is the least bit complicated must be reviewed by the

Diocesan Finance Office, prior to the signature of the Bishop, who will determine

if legal review is required.

4) All donated property must be evaluated before it is accepted by the

parish/school/institution. An example of an evaluation would be a phase I

environmental study.

5) The Bishop reserves the right to accept or decline any donated property.


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Receipts for Contributions over $250 (Cash)

Policy: Contributions from any individual, corporation, or other entity (e.g., estate)

that are equal to or exceed $250 require that a receipt be provided to the

contributor. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) The receipt must contain the following information:

a. Name and address of contributor

b. Amount of cash

c. A statement declaring the parish did not provide any goods or services for

the contribution: “______________________ did not provide any goods

or services in whole or partial consideration for the above contributions.

Only intangible benefits were provided. All contributions are tax

deductible as allowable by law.”

d. The date the contribution was received

e. The date the receipt was issued

f. Name and title of the parish personnel issuing the receipt

2) The parish must retain a copy of the receipt for at least seven years.

3) Parishes must issue contribution statements at the end of the year for all

contributions made during the year no later than January 31st.

A sample (cash only) Contribution Receipt is provided in Appendix J.


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Receipts for In-Kind Donations (Non-cash/goods & services)

Policy: Contributions of goods or services from any individual, corporation, or

other entity to the parish require that a receipt be provided to the contributor. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) The receipt must contain the following information:

a. Name and address of contributor

b. List of goods and services

c. A statement declaring the parish did not provide any goods or services for

the contribution: “______________________ did not provide any goods

or services in whole or partial consideration for the above contributions.

Only intangible benefits were provided. All contributions are tax

deductible as allowable by law.”

d. The date the contribution was received

e. The date the receipt was issued

f. Name and title of the parish personnel issuing the receipt

2) The parish must retain a copy of the receipt for at least seven years.

3) Parishes must issue contribution statements at the end of the year for all

contributions made during the year no later than January 31st.

4) The individual/corporation’s goods and/or services must be listed on the receipt.

The donor, not the parish, must assign the value to the goods or services provided.

A sample In-Kind Contribution Receipt is provided in Appendix I.


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Records Retention

Policy: Parishes will follow the records retention policy as outlined by the United

States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) in Appendix X. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

Introduction

The records retention guidelines for diocesan/parish records were prepared to assist

dioceses' and/or parishes' needs to establish control over routine records and to preserve

records of permanent value. The list of records included is lengthy but not all inclusive.

Each diocese/parish may have a series of records not mentioned here. Do check with the

retention requirements applicable to your jurisdiction and nature of your documents. The

following are samples of typical record retention periods.

Note: This section on Records Retention is directly from the USCCB Guidelines.

Records Retention Schedules

Records retention schedules represent the period of time that records must be kept

according to legal and/or organizational requirements.

This document covers retention schedules for seven different groups of diocesan/parish

records:

Administrative

Personnel

Financial

Property

Cemetery

Publications

Sacramental

Within each group, different series are listed followed by a retention period. Records

older than the retention period should be destroyed. Those of permanent value must be

stored appropriately.

Refer to Appendix X for detailed Record Retention procedures.


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School Tuition vs. Donation

Policy: Nondeductible tuition cannot be a charitable contribution for school tuition. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

Payments made to a parish by parents of children enrolled in a Catholic school may

qualify as deductible contributions if they are gifts, i.e., if they are voluntary transfers of

funds made with no expectation of obtaining commensurate benefit. Specifically,

enrollment in the school must in no manner be contingent on making the payment; the

payment must not be made pursuant to a plan (whether express or implied) to convert

nondeductible tuition into charitable contributions; and the receipt of the benefit

(schooling or reduced tuition payments) must not otherwise be dependent upon making

the payment. Rev. Rul. 83-104, 1983-2 C.B. 46, cites the following factors as creating a

presumption that a payment is NOT a charitable contribution:

1. The existence of a contract (express or implied) whereby a taxpayer (i.e., parents,

etc.) agrees to make a contribution and which insures school admission for the

taxpayer’s child.

2. A plan allowing taxpayers either to pay tuition or make contributions in exchange

for schooling.

3. The earmarking of contributions for the direct benefit of a particular individual.

4. The otherwise unexplained denial of admission/readmission of children of

taxpayers who are financially able but who do not contribute.

Additional adverse factors include:

5. The absence of a significant tuition charge.

6. Substantial or unusual (different from that applied to non-parents) pressure

applied to parents of children attending school.

7. Contribution appeals made as part of the admissions or enrollment process.

8. The absence of significant school revenue sources other than parent contributions.

9. Other factors suggesting a contribution policy created as a means of avoiding

characterization of payments as tuition.


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Situation 6 of Rev. Rul. 83-104 sanctions differential tuition for parishioners and non-

parishioners in certain limited circumstances. The parish received contributions from all

its members. These contributions are available to support all parish activities, a

substantial portion of which are unrelated to the school. The parish has full control over

the use of the contributions it receives. Most parish members do not have children in the

school. The methods of soliciting contributions from parishioners with children in the

school are the same as the methods of soliciting members without children in the school.

No tuition is charged to parishioners, but non-parishioners are charged tuition. In this

situation, IRS concluded that the contributions made by parishioners with children in the

school are ordinarily deductible, unless there is a showing that contributions by

parishioners with children in the school are significantly larger than those of other

parishioners.

The IRS has indicated in other rulings that it will compare parental giving levels to non-

parental giving levels in evaluating deductibility of payments.

Any attempt to link school enrollment or tuition reductions/benefits to parish contribution

or level of parish contribution jeopardizes the deductibility of contributions by

parishioners who benefit from such practices. Various labels given to parish

contributions, e.g., sacrificial giving, tithing, negotiated tuition, stewardship, minimum

giving, etc., are not determinative of deductibility. Further, parishes cannot qualify under

Situation 6 by defining parish “membership” (or otherwise qualifying for reduced or no

tuition) according to level of contribution. All such practices undercut parish claims that

parish contributions are “gifts”, the sine qua non of charitable deductibility.


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Scrip – Handling Procedures

Policy: Parishes/Schools may utilize Scrip for fundraising. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

Many parishes/schools utilize Scrip as a fundraiser. Parishioners/Parents purchase Scrip

from the parish/school, which they then use at local stores such as JC Penney, Kohl’s, or

K-Mart. There are literally hundreds of businesses nationwide that participate in the

Scrip program. When parishioners/parents purchase items with Scrip, the parish/school

receives a small percentage as the fundraiser contribution.

People order Scrip from the parish/school, which in turn orders Scrip from a company

such as the National Scrip Center. The Scrip then arrives at the parish/school to be

picked up by or distributed to parishioners/parents.

Scrip can be an excellent fundraiser if it is properly handled and safeguarded. Since

Scrip is an alternative form of currency, it should be treated as cash. Accordingly,

parishes/schools should practice safe procedures in the handling of Scrip. The

following procedures should be followed:

1. A minimum of 85% of SCRIP hours must be accomplished by uncompensated

volunteers.

2. A separate bank account must be maintained for all SCRIP activity.

3. Volunteers should not take Scrip home for delivery. Parishioners/parents

participating in the program should pick up Scrip at the parish/school in a

centralized location. Scrip can be sent home from school with a person’s son or

daughter if the person signs a waiver providing the parish permission to do this

(a sample waiver is attached).

4. Scrip should be stored in a safe, which is locked at all times. The safe should be

kept in a non-obvious, secure area on the parish/school premises.

5. A large inventory of Scrip should not be maintained. Scrip can be received from

the National Scrip Center (or other Scrip clearinghouses) in one day by airmail.

Parishes/Schools should only order the amount of Scrip which has been

requested by program participants.

6. Adequate bookkeeping that tracks the purchase and distribution of Scrip is

required. At least two people should have dual responsibility for the maintenance

of Scrip records. When a parish/school receives an order of Scrip, serial numbers


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should be recorded. In the event that Scrip would be lost or stolen, the recording

of the serial numbers would allow the parish/school to quickly identify which

Scrip was missing. Local stores could then be alerted to watch for the stolen

Scrip.

7. Scrip records should be audited or reviewed by the parish/school finance

committee on a regular basis. Additionally, the Scrip records should not be

stored with the Scrip, but in a separate area.

Scrip can be an excellent way for a parish/school to raise funds. To be successful,

parishes/schools must understand that Scrip is a cash equivalent and should be treated

with the same care.


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Special Collections

Policy: All parishes must allow special collections as directed by the Bishop. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

Canon 1266 of the revised Code of Canon Law states:

“In all churches and oratories which are, in fact, habitually open to the Christian

faithful, including those which belong to religious institutes, the local ordinary

can order the taking up of a special collection for specific parochial, diocesan,

national, or universal projects; this collection must be diligently sent afterwards to

the diocesan curia.”

The New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law explains this further:

“The collection must be for a specific, not indeterminate, undertaking, but it need

not be diocesan; it can be parochial (i.e., aid to a poor or struggling parish) or

national or international. Nor does the undertaking or project which is the object

of a mandated collection have to rise to the level of a need or necessity, as in the

case of a tax (see canon 1263), suggesting that the motivating causes for

collections can be less urgent than those for taxes.”

The final clause in Canon 1266 requires that the proceeds of a mandated collection be

sent diligently (sedulo) to the diocesan offices. The import of the adverb is twofold: that

the proceeds are sent without delay and in their entirety. All proceeds must be remitted

within three months of the date of the collection. Unless contributors have been so

informed in advance, no part of the proceeds may be withheld at the parish or any other

level; not to turn over the entirety of the collection immediately is to violate the

intentions of the donors and, as such withholding becomes known, seriously

compromises the perceived integrity of fund-raising in the church.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops administers eight national collections:

Church in Latin America

Catholic Relief Services (formerly the American Bishops’ Overseas Appeal)

Catholic Communication Campaign

Retirement Fund for Religious

Catholic Campaign for Human Development

Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe

Catholic Home Missions Appeal

Church in Africa


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Other collections include the following:

Black and Indian Missions

The Catholic University of America

Holy Land

Operation Rice Bowl

Peter’s Pence

World Mission Sunday

Additional collections specific for the diocesan operation of Catholic Charities and the

Diocese of Yakima:

Annual Catholic Appeal

Catholic Charities

Diocesan Priest Retirement and Seminarian Education


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Special Events Coverage – Guidelines

Policy: When an individual or organization is using parish grounds for a non-parish

sponsored event, that parish must have that individual/organization sign the Special

Events Coverage Form and must include the $100 fee as a part of the rental billing. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

1) What is Special Events Coverage?

Special Events Coverage is a mechanism, which allows the Diocese of Yakima through

its insurer, Catholic Mutual, to extend liability coverage to an individual/organization

using parish facilities for a non-parish sponsored event. For a cost of $100.00 per event,

$1,000,000 (one million) in liability coverage is extended to a non-parish sponsored

facility user (lessee).

A for-profit organization such as a local business is excluded from using parish facilities

for any purpose as it would compromise our tax exempt status as a non-profit

organization.

2) When Should Special Events Coverage be Utilized?

Special Events Coverage can be used when a parish or other church institution is

allowing an individual/organization to use its facilities for a non-parish sponsored

activity. When determining whether or not an activity is parish sponsored, the following

questions are helpful.

1. Did the parish have full control or final decision making authority over the

function?

2. Did any fees associated with the function flow through parish accounts?

3. If applicable, was the function open to all parish members?

4. Was the purpose of the function to facilitate learning, raise funds for the parish or

provide a social service on behalf of the parish?

5. Was the organizer or leader of the function a parish employee or volunteer?

Generally, if the answer to any of the above questions is “no”, the activity is not parish

sponsored meaning that the facility user needs to provide insurance which includes the

Diocese of Yakima and the parish as additional insured.


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3) Who is Eligible for Special Events Coverage?

Special Events Coverage is designed for dioceses and parishes and can be extended to

individuals and/or organizations (non-profit). Many individuals need this coverage for

events such as private wedding receptions or family reunions. Non-profit organizations

such as a charity organization may need the coverage for a pancake breakfast.

4) What is covered (& Not Covered) by Special Events Coverage?

Below is a brief explanation of what is covered by Special Events Coverage along with

some items that are excluded. Please note that the actual coverage form must be

completed which will an exhaustive explanation of what is covered and excluded.

Most non-parish sponsored activities are covered by Special Events Coverage.

Common examples are wedding receptions, family reunions, awards banquets, &

fund raisers.

$1,000,000 (one million) in liability coverage for bodily injury and property

damage is provided for the special event user, parish, and Diocese of Yakima.

Please note that the $1,000,000 (one million) limit is shared by the covered parties

and is a “per event” coverage.

Liquor liability coverage is provided.

Some types of events are not covered:

Any event lasting longer than 72 hours

Fireworks

Events involving more than 1000 people

Events where admission is charged unless all proceeds go to charity

Events involving amusement devices or trampolines

Carnivals

Any event organized or run by a professional promoter

Sporting events including camps and tournaments

Events involving pool or lake activities

Events involving recreational vehicles


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5) How do I Complete and Process the Special Events Application Form?

The application form should be completed in full and must include the following

information.

1. Name of Parish, Institution, or School – Please include the name and address of

the parish, facility, or school where the event will be held.

2. Lessee Information (additional insured) – Please include the name of the

individual(s) or organization holding the non-parish sponsored event.

3. Lessee (additional insured) Contact Person – Please indicate the name, address,

and telephone number of the person primarily responsible for the activity.

4. Type of Activity – Please provide a brief description of the activity including the

date, time, approximate number of participants, whether or not food and/or liquor

is being served.

5. Processing the Completed Application – One copy of the application should be

given to the lessee, another retained for your location records, a third to Catholic

Mutual and a fourth to the Pastoral Office at the Diocese of Yakima. The original

application should be submitted at least 15 business days prior to an event to

Catholic Mutual. If this is not possible you may also fax it to Catholic Mutual.

The copy sent to the Diocese Office should be accompanied by a $100.00 check

made payable to: The Diocese of Yakima.

Any questions regarding the completion or processing of the application should be

directed to Catholic Mutual or the Pastoral Office at the Diocese of Yakima.

6) Are there Risk Management Guidelines to Assist My Parish in Allowing Outside

Use of Its Facilities?

Risk Management Guidelines are available to assist your parish in allowing outside

organizations to use your facilities. Information includes but is not limited to liquor

liability control, security, and food handling. Please review pages 20-26 for a complete

list of Catholic Mutual Risk Management Policies or contact Catholic Mutual’s Risk

Management Department at (800) 228-6108 for further information.


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Page 89

Special Events Coverage - Categories

What do we understand as special events? What does the Insurance Company see as

special dangerous events? How can we reconcile these different perceptions?

Category One

Birthdays

Quinceañera

Boy Scouts

Girl Clubs

Client-Counselor Session

Local High School

Adults – Second Language

Most of us would see and understand these and similar types of gatherings as part of

parish hospitality, outreach, evangelization . . . these are not special for insurance

purposes. However, as a precaution and extra safeguard, scouts, High School and

families should be asked to supply a certificate of insurance.

Category Two

Wedding receptions and 50th

wedding anniversaries are definite receptions that the

insurance company would require the additional insurance coverage. Generally their

homeowners insurance should cover these. This is the category where you do need to file

a special events form and insurance coverage . . . again homeowners insurance generally

suffices.

Category Three

Baccalaureate

Late Night Catechism

Symphony Concerts

A.A. – Al Anon* - weekly meetings

Wireless Association

Capri (heart exercises)

Civic Groups

Pigeon Show

Polling Booths

These are parish events since at many of them, pastor or others may offer a prayer, a

word of welcome, etc. However, as a precaution ---- always get a certificate of insurance

from these various groups. (*A.A. is the problem one --- on insurance---- use a Facility

Usage Form---not good, better than nothing)


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Page 90

Category Four

Carnival, amusement rides, fireworks, October Fest, May Fest, Sausage Fest, major

rummage sale, auctions, dinners with libations, etc. ---- coverage is automatic . . . no need

for special events applications. Carnivals and amusement rides are outside people, so

they should provide insurance coverage.

Refer to Appendix Z for the Special Events Coverage and Appendix N Facility

Usage/Indemnity Agreement Forms.


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Page 91

Weekend Mass Counts

Policy: The parish must conduct a head count twice a year (the second weekend of

March and October) at each mass over a weekend mass schedule. Section last updated July 1, 2013

Procedures:

Reporting Requirements:

1) Count the number of attendees for each mass.

2) Complete the Weekend Mass Counts Form provided by the Chancery.

3) E-mail the form to [email protected] or fax to Msgr. Robert Siler,

509‐966‐8334 within two days after completing the count.

4) Keep a copy of your Weekend Mass Counts Form for at least 10 years.